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Which best describes what is occurring in this population of squirrels?

Number of Squirrels Entering and Leaving a Population after 1 Year
\begin{tabular}{|l|c|}
\hline Cause of change & Number of squirrels \\
\hline Died from predation & 2 \\
\hline Born & 4 \\
\hline Immigration & 10 \\
\hline Left to find food & 3 \\
\hline Died from disease & 8 \\
\hline Left to find a mate & 3 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

A. Population growth is decreasing.
B. Population growth is increasing.
C. Population growth stays the same.
D. Population reaches carrying capacity.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
To determine what is occurring in the population of squirrels, we need to analyze the numbers of squirrels entering and leaving the population within the span of one year. Let's go through the given numbers step by step:

1. Squirrels leaving the population:
- Died from predation: 2 squirrels
- Left to find food: 3 squirrels
- Died from disease: 8 squirrels
- Left to find a mate: 3 squirrels

To get the total number of squirrels that have left the population, we sum these numbers:
[tex]\[ 2 \text{ (predation)} + 3 \text{ (left for food)} + 8 \text{ (disease)} + 3 \text{ (left for mate)} = 16 \text{ squirrels} \][/tex]

2. Squirrels entering the population:
- Born: 4 squirrels
- Immigration: 10 squirrels

To get the total number of squirrels that have entered the population, we sum these numbers:
[tex]\[ 4 \text{ (born)} + 10 \text{ (immigration)} = 14 \text{ squirrels} \][/tex]

3. Net change in population:
We compare the total number of squirrels entering the population with the total number of squirrels leaving the population:
[tex]\[ \text{Total Entered} - \text{Total Left} = 14 \text{ (entered)} - 16 \text{ (left)} = -2 \text{ squirrels} \][/tex]

Since the difference is negative, it means the population is decreasing.

Therefore, the best description of what is occurring in this population is:
Population growth is decreasing.

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