Question

Scientists are closely monitoring caribou populations to examine the effect of global climate change on habitat. The maximum population size for a herd of caribou based on the amount of habitat was 500,000 . A herd of caribou currently has a population size of 198,000 caribou as a result of habitat loss. Which of the following methods should be used to determine the percent change between the maximum population and the current population for this herd of caribou?

a. (500,000 caribou + 198,000 caribou)/198,000 caribou x 100
b. (500,000 caribou - 198,000 caribou) /100
c. (198,000 caribou - 500,000 caribou)/500,000 caribou x 100
d. 198,000 caribou/500,000 caribou x 1,000

Answer 1

Answer:

c. (198,000 caribou - 500,000 caribou) / 500,000 caribou * 100

Explanation:

Scientists want to determine the percentage change between maximum population and current population of Caribou. The maximum population herd size is subtracted from the current population size. Then the maximum population size is divided by the numerator. Percentage is calculated by multiplying it with 100.

(198,000 caribou - 500,000 caribou) / 500,000 caribou * 100

= 60.4%