Abstract: This paper summarizes seven methods for determining and calculating the intrinsic growth rate(r_m)of animal populations, among which, Cole equation is emphathetically introduced, and its solution approaches, applied ranges and disadvantages are also discussed. The r_m of 17 mammal species are caiculated by Cole equation. The intension and extension of r_m and actual growth ra(es(r)are analysed, and an index(r/r_m)is put forward for quantifying the concept of ecological strategy. The relationship between tody weight of animals and r_m are quantitatively analysed.

Key words: phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing capability, 16S rRNA