Population growth models — practice questions

Question 1 · difficulty L2 · understanding

The model dN/dt = rN describes:

• A. exponential growth
• B. logistic growth
• C. competitive exclusion
• D. zero growth

Question 2 · difficulty L2 · understanding

The model dN/dt = rN(K-N)/K describes:

• A. exponential growth
• B. logistic growth
• C. geometric selection
• D. predation only

Question 3 · difficulty L2 · understanding

The population curve under exponential growth:

• A. linear only
• B. J-shaped
• C. bell-shaped
• D. S-shaped

Question 4 · difficulty L2 · understanding

The population curve under logistic growth:

• A. sinusoidal
• B. J-shaped
• C. triangular
• D. S-shaped

Question 5 · difficulty L2 · understanding

The symbol K in the logistic growth equation:

• A. birth rate
• B. death rate
• C. carrying capacity
• D. age ratio

Question 6 · difficulty L2 · understanding

Which one of the following equations represents the Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth of population?

• A. $\frac{d N}{d t}=r N\left(\frac{N-K}{N}\right)$
• B. $\frac{d N}{d t}=N\left(\frac{r-K}{K}\right)$
• C. $\frac{d N}{d t}=r\left(\frac{K-N}{K}\right)$
• D. $\frac{d N}{d t}=r N\left(\frac{K-N}{K}\right)$

Question 7 · difficulty L3 · application

A population initially grows rapidly but then slows as it approaches the environment's carrying capacity. Which growth model fits this pattern?

• A. Geometric decay
• B. Exponential growth without limits
• C. Logistic growth
• D. Random migration only

Question 8 · difficulty L3 · understanding

Which of the following equations depicts Verhulst-Pearl logistic population growth?

• A. $\frac{\mathrm{dN}}{\mathrm{dt}}=\mathrm{rN}\left(\frac{\mathrm{K}+\mathrm{N}}{\mathrm{K}}\right)$.
• B. $\frac{\mathrm{dN}}{\mathrm{dt}}=\mathrm{rN}\left(\frac{\mathrm{K}-\mathrm{N}}{\mathrm{K}}\right)$
• C. $\frac{\mathrm{dN}}{\mathrm{dt}}=\mathrm{rN}\left(\frac{\mathrm{K}-\mathrm{N}}{\mathrm{N}}\right)$
• D. $\frac{\mathrm{dN}}{\mathrm{dt}}=\mathrm{rN}\left(\frac{\mathrm{K}}{\mathrm{K}-\mathrm{N}}\right)$

Question 9 · difficulty L3 · understanding

What do 'a' and 'b' represent in the following population growth curve?

• A. ‘a’ represents exponential growth when responses are not limiting the growth; and ‘b’ represents logistic growth when responses are limiting the growth.
• B. ‘a’ represents logistic growth when responses are not limiting the growth; ‘b’ represents exponential growth when responses are limiting the growth.
• C. ‘a’ represents carrying capacity and ‘b’ shows logistic growth when responses are limiting the growth.
• D. ‘a’ represents exponential growth when responses are not limiting the growth and ‘b’ shows carrying capacity.

Question 10 · difficulty L3 · understanding

The equation of Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth is $$\frac{\mathrm{dN}}{\mathrm{dt}}=\mathrm{rN}\left[\frac{\mathrm{K}-\mathrm{N}}{\mathrm{K}}\right]$$. From this equation, $$\mathrm{K}$$ indicates:

• A. Intrinsic rate of natural increase
• B. Biotic potential
• C. Carrying capacity
• D. Population density