What is the main difference between logistic and exponential growth curves?

• A. Exponential growth curves are always S-shaped, while logistic growth curves are always J-shaped.
• B. Exponential growth curves show a population decreasing over time, while logistic growth curves show a population increasing.
• C. Logistic growth occurs only in plants, while exponential growth occurs only in animals.
• D. Logistic growth curves level off at a carrying capacity, while exponential growth curves continue to increase without limit.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of exponential growth: Exponential growth occurs when a population grows at a constant rate over time, resulting in a J-shaped curve. This type of growth assumes unlimited resources and no environmental constraints.
2. Understand the concept of logistic growth: Logistic growth occurs when a population grows rapidly at first but slows down as it approaches a carrying capacity, resulting in an S-shaped curve. Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that the environment can sustain due to limited resources.
3. Compare the shapes of the growth curves: Exponential growth produces a J-shaped curve because the population size increases without limit. Logistic growth produces an S-shaped curve because the population size levels off at the carrying capacity.
4. Recognize the role of carrying capacity in logistic growth: Logistic growth incorporates the concept of carrying capacity, which limits population growth as resources become scarce. Exponential growth does not account for carrying capacity and assumes unlimited resources.
5. Conclude the main difference: The key distinction is that logistic growth curves level off at a carrying capacity due to resource limitations, while exponential growth curves continue to increase indefinitely without considering environmental constraints.