Question

distinguish between exponential and logistic growth

Answer 1

Difference in	Exponential Growth	Logistic Growth
Definition	Involves the growth of population over time, taking carrying capacity into account.	Involves the growth of population over time, not taking carrying capacity into account.
What it’s also known as	J-shaped growth	Sigmoid growth
When it occurs	When the resources are plentiful	When the resources are limited
Stationary phase	Stationary phase is not frequently reached.	Stationary phase is reached
Number and kinds of phases	Only have two phases, namely: – lag – log	Has four phases, namely: – lag – log – deceleration – stationary
Population crash	It ultimately crashes. This is because of mass mortality.	It very rarely crashes.
Commonality	Not very common.	More common.

Other Differences

• The exponential growth model shows a characteristic curve which is J-shaped while the logistic grown model shows a characteristic curve which is S-shaped.

• The exponential growth model is applicable to any population which doesn’t have a limit for growth. The logistic growth model is applicable to any population which comes to a carrying capacity.

• The exponential growth model typically results in an explosion of the population. The logistic growth model results in a relatively constant rate of population growth. This happens when the growth rate of the population arrives at its carrying capacity.

• Exponential growth is ideal for populations that have unlimited resources and space – such as bacterial cultures. Logistic growth is more realistic and can be applied to different populations which exist in the planet.

• The exponential growth model doesn’t have any upper limit. The logistic growth model has and upper limit, which is the carrying capacity.

• Exponential growth happens when the rate of growth is in proportion to the existing amounts. This is also true for logistic growth but the difference is, it also includes competition and resources which are limited.