Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Organisms and Populations

Question:

What is the formula of exponential population growth curve?

Options:

\(\frac{dN}{dt} = rN\)

  \(\frac{rN}{dN} = dt\)

  \(\frac{dN}{rN} = dt\)

  \(\frac{dt}{dN} = rN\)

Correct Answer:

\(\frac{dN}{dt} = rN\)

Explanation:

If in a population of size N, the birth rates (not total number but per capita births) are represented as b and death rates (again, per capita death rates) as d, then the increase or decrease in N during a unit time period t (dN/dt) will be

dN/dt = (b – d) × N

Let (b–d) = r,

then dN/dt = rN

The r in this equation is called the ‘intrinsic rate of natural increase’ and is a very important parameter chosen for assessing impacts of any biotic or abiotic factor on population growth.