Learning Objectives

11.1.1 Define geometric population growth.

11.1.2 Define exponential population growth.

11.1.3 Describe the characteristics of geometric and exponential growth.

In general, populations can grow rapidly whenever individuals leave an average of more than one offspring over substantial periods of time. In this section, we describe exponential growth and the special case known as geometric growth, two related patterns of population growth that can lead to rapid increases in population size. For exponential growth, the organisms are assumed to reproduce continuously over time compared to geometric growth, in which the organisms reproduce in synchrony at discrete periods of time. Let's consider geometric growth first.