Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Logistic growth refers to a pattern of population growth where the initial exponential increase slows down and eventually levels off due to environmental resistance factors such as limited resources, competition, predation, or disease.
Limiting factors: Environmental factors that restrict or limit the growth of populations.
Density-dependent factors: Factors whose impact on population size depends on the density of individuals in a given area.
S-shaped curve (sigmoidal curve): A graphical representation of logistic growth showing initial exponential increase followed by leveling off near carrying capacity.