Which graph best illustrates a population growing at its biotic potential?

• A. A J-shaped curve showing exponential growth
• B. A downward-sloping line indicating population decline
• C. An S-shaped curve showing logistic growth
• D. A straight horizontal line indicating constant population size

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of biotic potential: Biotic potential refers to the maximum reproductive capacity of a population under ideal environmental conditions, where resources are unlimited and there are no limiting factors like predation or disease.
2. Recognize the type of growth associated with biotic potential: When a population grows at its biotic potential, it exhibits exponential growth, which is characterized by a rapid increase in population size over time.
3. Identify the shape of the graph for exponential growth: Exponential growth is represented by a J-shaped curve, where the population size starts small, grows slowly at first, and then increases rapidly as time progresses.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: A downward-sloping line indicates population decline, an S-shaped curve represents logistic growth (which includes limiting factors), and a straight horizontal line shows a constant population size. None of these align with exponential growth at biotic potential.
5. Conclude that the correct graph illustrating a population growing at its biotic potential is the J-shaped curve showing exponential growth.