# 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.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 19.4 Populations · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Initial slow/lag phase of population growth
2. Log/exponential phase where birth rate exceeds death rate, causing rapid population growth
3. Population levels off / stationary phase as carrying capacity is reached
4. Carrying capacity is the maximum population size the environment can support, limited by resources such as food

## Key terms

- [population](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/population)
- [carrying capacity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carrying-capacity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-population-of-grey-squirrels-was-69150630) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.