First, let us analyze the possible interpretations given in the options.
Option A interprets the growth rate as 1.03%, which is a way to express growth as a percentage. However, without looking at the regression equation, we cannot be sure if this is the right interpretation.
Likewise, option B also represents growth as a percentage, but this time with a growth rate of 3%. Again, we would need the regression equation to verify if this is a correct interpretation.
Option C interprets the growth rate as an increase of 103 individuals per year, which is a numerical annual growth. This option does not represent the growth rate as a percentage.
In order to decide between these options, we have to consider what kind of growth the regression equation represents. The regression equation isn't provided, so we must make an assumption. When analyzing data on population growth, the standard methodology is to consider growth as a percentage because that accounts for the increasing size of the population.
Therefore, based on standard methodologies, we could assume that the growth rate in the regression equation is likely represented as a percentage.
So, given these options, we can eliminate option C, as it does not express growth rate as a percentage. We can also eliminate option A because 1.03% is not a plausible interpretation for the growth rate in this context.
Given this information, we can reasonably conclude that option B is the most likely interpretation for the regression equation. Thus, one interpretation of the equation is: "The initial population was 3500 with a growth rate of 3%."
Answer: B.) The initial population was 3500 with a growth rate of 3%