To determine the percentage decrease in the population of the native species from Year 1 to Year 2 and from Year 2 to Year 3, follow these steps:
1. Identify the starting and ending populations for both intervals:
- From Year 1 to Year 2: The population decreases from 7,950 to 3,460.
- From Year 2 to Year 3: The population decreases from 3,460 to 1,380.
2. Calculate the percentage decrease from Year 1 to Year 2:
- The amount of decrease is [tex]\(7,950 - 3,460 = 4,490\)[/tex].
- To find the percentage decrease, use the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage Decrease} = \left( \frac{\text{Amount of Decrease}}{\text{Starting Population}} \right) \times 100
\][/tex]
Applying this to the data:
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage Decrease from Year 1 to Year 2} = \left( \frac{4,490}{7,950} \right) \times 100
\][/tex]
- Simplifying the division and multiplication:
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage Decrease from Year 1 to Year 2} \approx 56.48\%
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the percentage decrease from Year 2 to Year 3:
- The amount of decrease is [tex]\(3,460 - 1,380 = 2,080\)[/tex].
- Using the same percentage decrease formula, apply the data:
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage Decrease from Year 2 to Year 3} = \left( \frac{2,080}{3,460} \right) \times 100
\][/tex]
- Simplifying the division and multiplication:
[tex]\[
\text{Percentage Decrease from Year 2 to Year 3} \approx 60.12\%
\][/tex]
Given the calculated values, the correct option is:
[tex]\[
\text{B. } 56.5\% \text{ and } 60.1\%
\][/tex]
