The Verhulst - Pearl Logistic Growth of population is characterised b…

The correct answer is Option (2) → Sigmoid curve

Option (2) Sigmoid curve — Correct. In logistic growth the population first grows slowly, then fast, then levels off at the carrying capacity (K), because resources run short. Plotted against time, this gives an S-shaped or sigmoid curve.

NCERT Extract:
Population Growth – “… A plot of N in relation to time (t) results in a sigmoid curve. This type of population growth is called Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth (Figure 11.3) and is described by the following equation:”
\( \displaystyle\frac{dN}{dt} = rN\left(\frac{K-N}{K}\right) \)
Where N = Population density at time t
r = Intrinsic rate of natural increase
K = Carrying capacity
“Since resources for growth for most animal populations are finite and become limiting sooner or later, the logistic growth model is considered a more realistic one.”

Figure 11.3 Population growth curve a when responses are not limiting the growth, plot is exponential, b when responses are limiting the growth, plot is logistic, K is carrying capacity