Different animals show different types of growth models in nature. Wh…

The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (B) and (D) only

Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, the question can have more than one correct answer, i.e. both Option (4) and Option (2), because the three phases named in statement (C) are also parts of the logistic curve, as explained below.

In logistic growth the resources are limited. The population grows slowly at first, then faster, then slows down and levels off near the carrying capacity. The curve is S-shaped, and it is called the Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth.

(A) When resources are limited, only fittest individual will survive and reproduce. — Correct. Limited resources lead to competition between individuals, and the fittest survive and reproduce.

(B) A given habitat with limited resources supports a maximum possible number called carrying capacity. — Correct. This limit is the carrying capacity (K) of the habitat for that species.

(C) Logistic curve involves phase of acceleration, an asymptote and lag phase. — Correct, but incomplete. The logistic curve has a lag phase, phases of acceleration and deceleration, and finally an asymptote. The statement names three of these real phases and leaves out the phase of deceleration. Nothing in the statement is false.

(D) Logistic growth model is considered a more realistic one. — Correct. Resources for most animal populations are finite and become limiting sooner or later, so the logistic model is more realistic than unlimited, exponential growth.

NCERT Extract:
Population Growth –