What is usually true of exponential growth? Select True or False for each statement.
T/F The population is growing.
T/F The per capita growth rate is constant.
T/F The per capita growth rate increases rapidly over time.
T/F The per capita growth rate is very high.

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Understand that exponential growth refers to a situation where the growth rate of a population is proportional to its current size, leading to growth that accelerates over time.

Consider the statement 'The population is growing.' In exponential growth, the population size increases over time, so this statement is generally true.

Evaluate the statement 'The per capita growth rate is constant.' In exponential growth, the per capita growth rate remains constant, meaning each individual contributes the same amount to the growth rate, so this statement is true.

Analyze the statement 'The per capita growth rate increases rapidly over time.' In exponential growth, while the total population size increases rapidly, the per capita growth rate remains constant, so this statement is false.

Examine the statement 'The per capita growth rate is very high.' The per capita growth rate in exponential growth is constant and not necessarily high; it depends on the specific context, so this statement is false.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exponential Growth

Exponential growth refers to a process where the quantity increases at a constant rate per unit of time. In biological terms, it often describes populations that grow without any constraints, leading to a rapid increase in numbers. This type of growth is characterized by a J-shaped curve when graphed over time.

Per Capita Growth Rate

The per capita growth rate is the average contribution of each individual to the total population growth. In exponential growth, this rate remains constant, meaning each individual adds the same amount to the population over time, leading to a proportional increase in population size.

Population Dynamics

Population dynamics studies how and why populations change over time, including factors like birth rates, death rates, and migration. In the context of exponential growth, it focuses on how populations can grow rapidly under ideal conditions, without limiting factors such as resource scarcity or predation.

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