Which term best describes population growth that increases as population size increases, producing an exponential pattern?

Which term best describes population growth that increases as population size increases, producing an exponential pattern?

• A. Plateau
• B. Carrying capacity
• C. Exponential growth
• D. Decline

Answer: (C)

Growth that accelerates as population size increases is exponential growth. When the per capita growth rate remains positive and roughly constant, each generation adds a number of individuals proportional to how many are already there, so a larger population yields more births and the total grows faster over time. This creates a J-shaped curve, often seen when a population encounters abundant resources and little competition or predation—think bacteria multiplying in a clean, nutrient-rich environment or a species newly introduced to a suitable habitat. Mathematically, it follows N(t) = N0 e^(rt) with r > 0, meaning growth is proportional to N and speeds up as N grows. This contrasts with a plateau, where growth slows and levels off as limits bite; carrying capacity refers to the maximum population sustainable by the environment, leading to logistic growth rather than true exponential growth. Decline is simply a decrease in population size.

Growth that accelerates as population size increases is exponential growth. When the per capita growth rate remains positive and roughly constant, each generation adds a number of individuals proportional to how many are already there, so a larger population yields more births and the total grows faster over time. This creates a J-shaped curve, often seen when a population encounters abundant resources and little competition or predation—think bacteria multiplying in a clean, nutrient-rich environment or a species newly introduced to a suitable habitat. Mathematically, it follows N(t) = N0 e^(rt) with r > 0, meaning growth is proportional to N and speeds up as N grows.

This contrasts with a plateau, where growth slows and levels off as limits bite; carrying capacity refers to the maximum population sustainable by the environment, leading to logistic growth rather than true exponential growth. Decline is simply a decrease in population size.