To determine the population growth of the cheetah population, we need to consider both the birth rate and death rate, as well as immigration and emigration rates.
Here’s how the calculation is done step-by-step:
1. Birth rate: This is the number of cheetahs being born. The birth rate is given as 5.
2. Death rate: This is the number of cheetahs dying. The death rate is given as 15.
3. Immigration: This is the number of cheetahs entering the population from other areas. The immigration rate is given as 2.
4. Emigration: This is the number of cheetahs leaving the population to go to other areas. The emigration rate is given as 4.
To find the population growth, we use the following formula:
[tex]\[ \text{Population Growth} = (\text{Birth Rate} + \text{Immigration}) - (\text{Death Rate} + \text{Emigration}) \][/tex]
Plugging in the given values:
[tex]\[ \text{Population Growth} = (5 + 2) - (15 + 4) \][/tex]
First, calculate the total number of cheetahs entering the population:
[tex]\[ 5 + 2 = 7 \][/tex]
Next, calculate the total number of cheetahs leaving the population:
[tex]\[ 15 + 4 = 19 \][/tex]
Finally, find the net population growth:
[tex]\[ 7 - 19 = -12 \][/tex]
Therefore, the population growth of the cheetahs is \(-12\).
Among the provided answer choices:
- [tex]$-14$[/tex]
- [tex]$-12$[/tex]
- 12
- 14
The correct answer is [tex]\(-12\)[/tex].
