Mathematics of Population Growth Using Growth Equations Calculating the population size under ideal growth conditions and under the influence of limiting factors

I. Variables N = population size B = # of births D = # of deaths b = per capita “birth rate” m = per capita “death rate” r = per capita rate of increase or decrease G = population growth = how many individuals to be added or subtracted to N

II. Exponential Growth – no limiting factors G = rN

III. Logistic Growth – Limiting Factors G = rN (K-N/K)

Things to Remember