Population Growth Patterns and Constraints — NEET Biology

Correct answer: B — S2 and S4

The core concept tested here involves the conditions and parameters for different population growth models and factors influencing population density. S1 is correct. The NCERT states, "Ideally, when resources in the habitat are unlimited, each species has the ability to realise fully its innate potential to grow in number... Then the population grows in an exponential or geometric fashion." S2 is NOT correct. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) is used in both exponential (dN/dt = rN) and logistic (dN/dt = rN((K-N)/K)) growth equations. It is not exclusive to logistic growth, though its effect is modulated by K in logistic growth. The NCERT refers to 'r' in the exponential growth section as 'the intrinsic rate of natural increase'. S3 is correct. Governments introducing restraints to limit human population growth aligns with the concept of managing resources and limiting factors, similar to the carrying capacity (K) in natural ecosystems. The NCERT states, "The governments of many countries have also realised this fact and introduced various restraints with a view to limit human population growth." S4 is NOT correct. The NCERT states, "For instance, if a new habitat is just being colonised, immigration may contribute more significantly to population growth than birth rates." Thus, the statement that immigration is generally less significant is false in this specific context. S5 is correct. The NCERT states, "Since resources for growth for most animal populations are finite and become limiting sooner or later, the logistic growth model is considered a more realistic one." Therefore, statements S2 and S4 are NOT correct. The correct option is B as it correctly identifies the incorrect statements.