Question

complete the table to indicate whether each statement better describes the logistic growth model or real population growth.

	logistic growth model	real population growth
population growth rate initially increases with population size, decreases as population size approaches the carrying capacity, and is zero when the population size reaches the carrying capacity.
population size fluctuates around the carrying capacity.
population size stays constant once it has reached the carrying capacity.
carrying capacity changes over time as abiotic and biotic limiting factors change.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze each statement

• "The population briefly overshoots the carrying capacity...": Real populations may overshoot K temporarily due to delays in limiting factors, while logistic model assumes smooth approach. So Real population growth.
• "Population growth rate initially increases... zero at K": This is the core of logistic growth model (S - curve: growth rate ∝ N(K - N)/K, so increases then decreases to zero at K). So Logistic growth model.
• "Population size fluctuates around K": Real populations (due to environmental changes, resource availability) fluctuate, logistic model has stable K. So Real population growth.
• "Population size stays constant at K": Logistic model assumes population stabilizes at K (no fluctuations), real populations fluctuate. So Logistic growth model.
• "Carrying capacity changes over time...": Real environments have changing limiting factors (abiotic/biotic), so K changes. Logistic model has fixed K. So Real population growth.

Step2: Fill the table (summarize each row)

Statement	Logistic growth model	Real population growth
Population growth rate initially increases... zero at K	✔️
Population size fluctuates around K		✔️
Population size stays constant at K	✔️
Carrying capacity changes over time...		✔️

Answer:

Statement	Logistic growth model	Real population growth
Population growth rate initially increases with population size, decreases as population size approaches the carrying capacity, and is zero when the population size reaches the carrying capacity.	Selected
Population size fluctuates around the carrying capacity.		Selected
Population size stays constant once it has reached the carrying capacity.	Selected
Carrying capacity changes over time as abiotic and biotic limiting factors change.		Selected

(Note: In the table, "Selected" indicates the correct column for each statement.)