Key Concepts

CONCEPT 11.1 Populations can grow exponentially when conditions are favorable, but exponential growth cannot continue indefinitely.

CONCEPT 11.2 Population size is determined by a combination of density-dependent and density-independent factors.

CONCEPT 11.3 The logistic equation incorporates limits to growth and shows how a population may stabilize at a maximum size, the carrying capacity.

CONCEPT 11.4 Life tables show how survival and reproduction vary with age or size structure, influencing population growth and size.