Question

An ecologist is studying the painted turtle population in a small pond. at the beginning of the year, there are 100 individuals. over the course of a year, 40 turtles are born and 60 die. there is no migration. what is the growth rate (r) of the painted turtle population?

Answer 1

To answer this question, first calculate the birth rate. Out of 100 individuals, 40 were born. Therefore, the birth rate is:
40/100 = 0.4

Then calculate the death rate. Out of 100 individuals, 60 died. Therefore the death rate is:
60/100 = 0.6

Finally, subtract the death rate from the birth rate to obtain the growth rate:

0.4 - 0.6 = -0.2

Therefore, in this case, the growth rate is negative and the population is in decline.