Logistic growth

/ləˈdʒɪstɪk ɡroʊθ/ noun

Definition

A pattern of population growth that starts exponentially but slows as the population approaches the carrying capacity of the environment, producing an S-shaped curve. Growth rate decreases as resources become limited and environmental resistance increases.

Etymology

From 'logistic' (French 'logistique' relating to calculation) and 'growth.' The model was developed by Pierre-François Verhulst in 1838 to describe more realistic population growth patterns than exponential models.

Kelly Says

Logistic growth shows us that nature has built-in brakes! As populations grow larger, they face increasing competition, disease, and resource scarcity that automatically slow growth - it's like an ecological cruise control that prevents populations from growing beyond what their environment can handle.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.