Types of Population Growth - Rapid, Slow, Steady

Population Growth

The change in the number of individuals in a population over time

Rapid Population Growth

A type of growth where a population increases quickly in a short period of time. Occurs when birth rates are much higher than death rates and resources are abundant.

Slow Population Growth

A type of growth where a population increases at a very small rate over time. Occurs when birth rates are only slightly higher than death rates.

Steady Population Growth

A type of growth where a population increases at a constant

Birth Rate

The number of births per 1000 individuals in a population per year. A higher birth rate contributes to faster population growth.

Death Rate

The number of deaths per 1000 individuals in a population per year. A higher death rate slows population growth.

Immigration

The movement of individuals into a population from another area. Increases population size.

Emigration

The movement of individuals out of a population to another area. Decreases population size.

Population Growth Rate

The rate at which a population increases or decreases

Exponential Growth

A pattern of rapid population growth where the population doubles at regular intervals. Produces a J-shaped curve on a graph. Occurs when resources are unlimited.

J-Shaped Curve

The graph shape that represents exponential (rapid) population growth — the population starts slow then increases steeply with no limit.

Logistic Growth

A pattern of steady or slowing population growth where growth levels off as the population approaches the carrying capacity. Produces an S-shaped curve.

S-Shaped Curve

The graph shape that represents logistic (steady) population growth — the population grows

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support given its available resources.

Limiting Factors

Environmental factors that restrict population growth — including food

Biotic Limiting Factors

Living factors that limit population growth such as predators

Abiotic Limiting Factors

Non-living factors that limit population growth such as temperature

Overpopulation

When a population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment

Population Crash

A sudden sharp decrease in population size

Predator-Prey Relationship

The cyclic relationship between predator and prey populations — as prey increases

Competition

The struggle between organisms for the same limited resources (food

Human Population Growth

The human global population has shown rapid/exponential growth

Sustainable Population

A population size that can be maintained long-term without depleting resources or damaging the ecosystem it depends on.