In a logistic growth curve of a population, which point on the graph represents the carrying capacity (\(K\)) of the population?

• A. The initial point where the population starts growing
• B. The lowest point on the graph
• C. The plateau where the population size levels off
• D. The point of maximum growth rate (inflection point)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of carrying capacity (\(K\)): Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the availability of resources such as food, habitat, and water.
2. Examine the logistic growth curve: A logistic growth curve typically has an S-shape (sigmoidal curve). It starts with a slow growth phase, followed by a rapid growth phase, and finally levels off as the population approaches the carrying capacity.
3. Identify the plateau on the graph: The plateau is the region where the population size stabilizes and stops increasing significantly. This occurs because the population has reached the carrying capacity (\(K\)), where resource limitations prevent further growth.
4. Differentiate the plateau from other points: The initial point represents the starting population size, the lowest point is the starting population size (if non-zero), and the inflection point is where the growth rate is at its maximum. None of these represent the carrying capacity.
5. Conclude that the carrying capacity (\(K\)) is represented by the plateau where the population size levels off, as this is the point where the population stabilizes due to resource limitations.