To determine what is happening in this population of squirrels, we need to analyze the number of squirrels entering and leaving the population over a year. Let's look at the provided causes of change and their respective numbers.
Number of squirrels entering the population:
1. Born: 4
2. Immigration: 10
Total entering = 4 (Born) + 10 (Immigration) = 14
Number of squirrels leaving the population:
1. Died from predation: 2
2. Left to find food: 3
3. Died from disease: 8
4. Left to find a mate: 3
Total leaving = 2 (Died from predation) + 3 (Left to find food) + 8 (Died from disease) + 3 (Left to find a mate) = 16
Next, we calculate the net population change:
Net population change = Total entering - Total leaving = 14 - 16 = -2
Since the result is negative, it means the population is decreasing. Therefore, the best description of what is happening in this population of squirrels is:
Population growth is decreasing.
