Final answer:
The birth rate is 26/104 and the death rate is 19/104 for the salamander population. Since the birth rate is higher than the death rate, the population is growing. The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating Birth and Death Rates
To calculate the birth rate and the death rate within a population of salamanders, we use the given numbers of new offspring and deaths within the season relative to the initial population size. The birth rate is the ratio of new offspring to the initial population size, and the death rate is the ratio of the number that died to the initial population size. As such, the birth rate is 26 new offspring divided by 104 salamanders, which simplifies to 26/104. Similarly, the death rate is 19 deaths divided by 104 salamanders, or 19/104. To determine if the population is growing or declining, subtract the death rate from the birth rate. As the birth rate exceeds the death rate (26/104 > 19/104), the population is growing.
Therefore, the correct answer among the options provided is option a: Birth rate: 26/104; Death rate: 19/104; Population is growing.