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 positive population growth.
B
Zebras and lions are both experiencing a negative 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
Calculate each population’s net change by adding births and immigration, then subtracting deaths and emigration. Lions: 4 births + 5 immigrations − 2 disease deaths − 1 natural death − 5 emigrations = +1. Zebras: 5 births + 1 immigration − 3 deaths − 4 emigrations = −1, so zebras have lower population growth than lions.
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