To determine the population growth of the water buffalo herd, we need to calculate the net change in the population considering the figures for birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration.
1. Identify the components affecting the population:
- Birth rate = 35
- Death rate = 7
- Immigration = 4
- Emigration = 17
2. Calculate the net change in population:
- First, sum the birth rate and the immigration to determine the total number of newcomers to the population:
[tex]\[
\text{Total newcomers} = \text{Birth rate} + \text{Immigration} = 35 + 4 = 39
\][/tex]
- Then, sum the death rate and the emigration to determine the total number of departures from the population:
[tex]\[
\text{Total departures} = \text{Death rate} + \text{Emigration} = 7 + 17 = 24
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the overall net change in the population:
- Subtract the total departures from the total newcomers:
[tex]\[
\text{Population change} = \text{Total newcomers} - \text{Total departures} = 39 - 24 = 15
\][/tex]
4. Determine whether the population increases or decreases:
- Since the calculated population change is positive (\(15\)), the population increases.
So, the final conclusion is that the population increases by 15.
Correct answer: population increases by 15
