Question

A scientist is studying the population of a particular species of beetle in an ecosystem. The beetles currently have an estimated population of 11,500 individuals on a wildlife preserve of 115 hectares. (One hectare is equal to 2.47 acres of land.) The scientist calculates the carrying capacity at 14,600 individuals.
Part A
Factoring a death rate from natural causes and predation, the beetle population increases approximately 5% each year. Use the Table button to create a table showing the estimated population for each year, starting with the current population and stopping when you’ve reached or exceeded the carrying capacity.

Answer 1

Answer/Explanation:

Given an estimated beetle population of 11,500, of which it is estimated to increase approximately by 5% each year, we can calculate the estimated population for each year as follows:

Year                       Calculation         Est. Population

1st yr (current yr)                                   11,500

2nd yr                     11,500*105%          12,075

3rd yr                      12,075*105%         12,679

4th yr                      12,679*105%          13,313

5th yr                      13,313*105%           13,979

6th yr                      13,979*105%          14,678

The above is how the table would like showing the estimated population for each year.

Answer 2

Answer:

To find the population of beetles each year, we multiply the previous year’s population by 105% (100% + 5%).

Year Population

1 11,500

2 12,075

3 12,679

4 13,313

5 13,978

6 14,677

Explanation:

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