1. Period of slow growth - the birth rate is higher than the death rate, causing the population size to increase
2. Period of rapid growth -  the population size increases exponentially with no constraints limiting the population increase
3. Stable state - external constraints (limiting factors) prevent further population growth and the population size remains relatively stable

Immigration increases population size as organisms move into an area.

Emigration decreases population size as organisms move out of an area.

Density-independent factors are factors that can dramatically affect the whole population regardless of the population's size.

An example of a density-independent factor is a natural disaster like an earthquake or tsunami.

Populations being dynamic means they vary in size and composition over time.

The carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species (population size) that an ecosystem can support.

The carrying capacity is determined by limiting factors.

A population growth curve graphically displays the change in the number of organisms in a population over time.

When a population reaches its carrying capacity, its growth slows or ceases altogether, and may even reduce if conditions worsen.