Logistic growth refers to a pattern of population growth where the initial exponential increase slows down and eventually levels off due to environmental resistance factors such as limited resources, competition, predation, or disease.
Picture a roller coaster ride that starts with a steep incline but gradually reaches its peak before descending smoothly. In this analogy, the steep incline represents exponential growth, while reaching the peak symbolizes reaching carrying capacity and experiencing logistic growth.
Limiting factors: Environmental factors that restrict or limit the growth of populations.
Density-dependent factors: Factors whose impact on population size depends on the density of individuals in a given area.
S-shaped curve (sigmoidal curve): A graphical representation of logistic growth showing initial exponential increase followed by leveling off near carrying capacity.
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