A population of 20 monarch butterflies colonizes a meadow. The meadow's carrying capacity for monarch butterflies is 5,000 individuals. What statement best describes the growth of the population of monarch butterflies after the meadow is colonized?

A.
The population grows exponentially until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then the population size begins to decrease.
B.
The population grows exponentially until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then its growth rate decreases.
C.
The population grows at a constant rate until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then its growth rate increases.
D.
The population grows at a constant rate until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then the population size remains stable.

So, the maximum capacity of monarch butterfly individuals that can live in the meadow is 5000. That means that the 20-butterfly population will continue growing (reproducing) until it reaches 5000.

Answer explanation:

If the population were to grow exponentially, there wouldn't be an end and the 5000-limit would not be respected.

If the population were to grow logistically, the end of the growth would be the same as the limit, which means that the 5000-limit would be respected.

--> Therefore, the only possible answer is D, which states that the population will reach 5000 and after that the growth will stabilise (exactly what would hapen in a logistic growth).

Hope it helped,

BioTeacher101