Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 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.
Related terms
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.