Malthusian parameter
- Describes how a population’s growth rate relates to the availability of resources.
- Implies populations tend to grow exponentially unless constrained by limiting factors.
- Named after Thomas Malthus, who introduced the underlying idea in 1798.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”The Malthusian parameter, also known as the Malthusian growth rate, is a concept in population dynamics used to describe the growth of a population in relation to the availability of resources.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Thomas Malthus proposed that populations tend to grow exponentially unless limited by some factor. Reproduction drives exponential increases in population size, but constraints such as food, shelter, and space ultimately limit that growth. The Malthusian parameter captures this relationship between intrinsic reproductive growth and external resource limits.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Rabbits introduced to a new island
Section titled “Rabbits introduced to a new island”If a species of rabbits is introduced to a new island with abundant food, water, and space, the rabbit population will likely grow quickly because there are no immediate limiting factors on reproduction. Over time, however, resource availability may become limiting and population growth will slow or stop.
Human population growth
Section titled “Human population growth”Human population growth has historically exhibited exponential increases driven by improvements in medical care, agricultural productivity, and technology. As the human population has grown, limits on resources such as food, water, and energy have raised concerns about the sustainability of continued growth.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Thomas Malthus
- Exponential growth