A population of grey squirrels was introduced to a woodland where resources were limited. Describe the changes in the grey squirrel population over time, referring to the phases of population growth and the role of carrying capacity.

1. Initially the population grows slowly – a lag phase where births just keep pace with deaths.
2. Once enough individuals are present, births outnumber deaths and the population enters a log/exponential phase of rapid increase.
3. As numbers rise, resources become scarce; the growth rate slows and the population reaches a stationary phase.
4. The stationary level equals the carrying capacity – the maximum number the woodland can sustain, limited by food, space and other resources.