Question

choose the correct answer. on a time vs. population graph, as populations approach the carrying capacity, what happens to the population growth rate? stops completely doesnt change grows out of control slows down

Explanation:

When a population approaches the carrying capacity (the maximum number of individuals an environment can support), resources become limited. This leads to increased competition for resources like food, water, and space. As a result, factors such as higher mortality (due to lack of resources, increased disease spread in crowded conditions) and lower fertility (stress - related infertility in some species, less energy for reproduction) come into play. These factors cause the population growth rate to slow down. It doesn't stop completely (unless in extreme cases of a complete environmental collapse), it doesn't remain unchanged (as the limiting factors are acting on the population), and it certainly doesn't grow out of control (since resources are limiting).

Answer:

slows down