When resources are unlimited in a habitat, what type of growth is seen in the population?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Exponential growth
Option (1) Exponential growth — Correct. With unlimited food and space, each species can grow to its full natural potential. The rate of growth is \( \displaystyle \frac{dN}{dt} = rN \), where r is the intrinsic rate of natural increase. Plotted against time, N rises in a J-shaped curve.
Option (2) Logistic growth — Incorrect. Logistic growth is seen when resources are limited. Growth slows as the population nears the carrying capacity K, giving an S-shaped (sigmoid) curve. It is the more realistic model, but not for unlimited resources.
Option (3) Stable growth — Incorrect. This is not one of the two growth models in the book. A population becomes stable only when it reaches the carrying capacity in logistic growth, that is, when resources are limited.
Option (4) Lagging growth — Incorrect. This is not a growth model either. A slow start (lag phase) is only the first part of the logistic curve.
NCERT Extract:
Population Growth – …
