1. In any species, populations inherently face constraints on resources, fostering competition among individuals for survival and reproduction. The success in these endeavors determines the fitness of organisms.
2. Habitats possess a threshold of resource availability, allowing for the maximum sustainable population. However, growth beyond a certain limit becomes unattainable.
3. This limiting factor is identified as nature’s carrying capacity (K) specific to the species and habitat.
4. The progression of a population in a resource-limited habitat follows distinct phases: (a) Lag phase, (b) Phase of acceleration, (c) Phase of deceleration, and (d) Attainment of an asymptote when population density aligns with the carrying capacity.
5. When plotted against time (t), the population-size (N) exhibits a sigmoid curve, characterizing the Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth.
6. Given the finite and ultimately restrictive nature of resources for animal populations, the logistic growth model is deemed a more realistic representation.
7. Logistic growth consistently manifests as a sigmoid curve, portraying the nuanced dynamics of populations in response to limited resources.
