A pattern of population growth where the population size increases at a constant rate per unit time, resulting in increasingly rapid growth that produces a J-shaped curve when graphed. It occurs when resources are unlimited and environmental resistance is minimal.
From 'exponential' (Latin 'exponere' meaning 'to set forth') and 'growth' from Old English 'grōwan.' The mathematical concept was applied to population biology in the 18th century by Thomas Malthus.
Exponential growth is deceptively powerful - it starts slowly but becomes explosive! A population growing at just 2% per year will double in 35 years, quadruple in 70 years, and increase 16-fold in 140 years, which explains why invasive species can seem to appear 'suddenly' everywhere.
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