Population growth PP

Scientists observed and quantified similar growth patterns many species on earth follow. Populations of species experience a higher growth rate at lower population densities until they reach a plateau at a carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of a population determines the number of individuals an environment can sustain indefinitely. A logistic growth curve fits the studied phenomena as populations begin exponential and level out. This model only does so much as in real life this tends to not be a perfect match. Populations regularly overshoot their carrying capacity when times are good and population growth rates are positive even after having crossed the figurative line. The environment simply cannot sustain this population over the carrying capacity affecting the species in two ways. Decreased birth rates from less food and possible increased emigration to find suitable ranges. The growth rate therefore decreases and the population drops, possibly undershooting the carrying capacity at which point the cycle may repeat. Populations that over-and-under shoot by very little can be described as dampened oscillations. Other populations with patterns that oscillate greatly, at regular intervals, are called regular fluctuations.