Answer: Gradually decreases and approaches zero.
- A Increases continuously without bound
- B Remains constant throughout
- C Gradually decreases and approaches zero
- D Becomes negative immediately
Correct answer: C. Gradually decreases and approaches zero
Explanation: As population size N approaches carrying capacity K, the term (K - N)/K approaches zero, so the growth rate slows and eventually approaches zero.
Exponential growth produces an ever-steepening J-curve with no limit, an unrealistic long-term model; logistic growth produces an S-curve that levels off at the carrying capacity K, as growth rate (K−N)/K shrinks to zero once resources are fully used.
Concept context
How organisms interact with abiotic factors and respond to stress, plus population attributes, growth models, and interspecific interactions such as predation, competition, and mutualism.