The accompanying figure shows logistic population growth for two species in the same habitat. Which of the following conclusions hold true? (i) Species 1 has higher intrinsic growth rate 
(ii) Species 2 has higher intrinsic growth rate
(iii) Carrying capacity for Species 1 is higher
(iv) Carrying capacity for Species 2 is higher
The question asks us to analyze logistic population growth for two species and determine which statements about their growth and carrying capacities are true. Below is the step-by-step reasoning:
- The logistic growth curve is characterized by a rapid growth rate initially, followed by a plateau when the population reaches carrying capacity.
- We can observe the following from the curves:
- Intrinsic Growth Rate: The initial steepness of the curve indicates the intrinsic growth rate. Species 1 reaches its asymptote more quickly, but Species 2 has a steeper initial curve, indicating a higher intrinsic growth rate for Species 2. Therefore, statement (ii) is incorrect, and statement (i) is correct.
- Carrying Capacity: The plateau of the curve represents the carrying capacity. The plateau level for Species 2 is higher than for Species 1, meaning Species 2 has a higher carrying capacity. This confirms that statement (iv) is correct, and statement (iii) is incorrect.
- Based on the above analysis:
- Option "Both (i) and (iv)" is correct as Species 1 has a higher intrinsic growth rate and Species 2 has a higher carrying capacity.
Important Questions from Population growth curves
- A flask containing nutrient-rich media is seeded with 100 isogenic bacteria. Assuming that no bacteria die in the flask, after approximately how many generations will the population reach a size of $10^5$?
Population growth of a species can be modelled as $$ \frac{dN(t)}{dt} = rN(t)\left(1 - \frac{N(t)}{K}\right) $$ where $N(t)$ is the population size at time $t$; $r$ is the growth rate; and $K$ is the carrying capacity of the environment.
For $K = 9000$, $\frac{dN(t)}{dt}$ is maximized at $N =$ _____
(Answer in integer)
- The population size at which net recruitment is the highest is also when the greatest amount can be harvested, while ensuring the long-term survival of the population. The amount harvested at this population size is known as
The graphs shown represent the relationship between population size ($N$) and population growth rate ($\frac{dN}{dt}$). Which one of the following growth curves represents a density-dependent population that experiences a strong Allee effect?
Overfishing reduced food availability for sea lions in California, causing a decline in their population size. In 1972, under the US Endangered Species Act, fishing was banned from sea lion foraging areas. Subsequently, the population of sea lions increased in a logistic form as shown in the figure.
The per capita growth rate is highest in the interval __________ and the population growth rate is highest in the interval __________
