In Verhulst Pearl logistic growth curve equation \(\frac{dN}{dt}\)=rN (\(\frac{\text K-N}{K}\)), 'r' refers to:

Intrinsic rate of natural increase

The correct answer is Option (3) -Intrinsic rate of natural increase

Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth  and is described by the following equation:

 \(\frac{dN}{dt}\)=rN (\(\frac{\text K-N}{K}\))

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.