Final answer:
The dolphin's population growth is calculated by subtracting the death rate (0.5) from the birth rate (2.0) and then multiplying by the population size (100), resulting in a growth of 150 individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the dolphin's population growth, we apply the formula for population change, which is the birth rate minus the death rate, multiplied by the population size. In this case, the birth rate is 2.0, the death rate is 0.5, and the population size is 100. Therefore, the growth rate is (2.0 - 0.5) multiplied by 100.
Growth Rate = (Birth Rate - Death Rate) × Population Size
Growth Rate = (2.0 - 0.5) × 100
Growth Rate = 1.5 × 100
Growth Rate = 150
This means the dolphin's population is expected to increase by 150 individuals. Ecologists often examine these rates to assess the health of a population. A growth rate of 150 indicates that the population of dolphins is growing.