In a year, a population of lions had four births, two deaths from disease, one natural death, five emigrations, and five immigrations. In the same year, a population of zebras had five births, three deaths, four emigrations, and one immigration. Which best explains the data?
Answer
A
Zebras and lions are both experiencing a negative population growth.
B
Zebras and lions are both experiencing a positive population growth.
C
The zebras have a higher population growth than the lions have.
D
The zebras have a lower population growth than the lions have.
Explanation
Population growth is births plus immigration minus deaths and emigration. Lions changed by 4 + 5 − 2 − 1 − 5 = +1, while zebras changed by 5 + 1 − 3 − 4 = −1. Therefore, zebras have a lower population growth than lions.
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