Final answer:
The true statement is A. the town’s population has increased from an initial population of 10,000 in 1985.
Step-by-step explanation:
This can be concluded by examining the information provided and the rule of 70, which states that population growth can be approximately calculated by dividing 70 by the growth rate. In the given answer options, option a describes an increase in population from an initial population of 10,000 in 1985. The other options state either a decrease in population or a different initial population size.
If we assume a constant growth rate, we can calculate the doubling time of the population using the rule of 70. A growth rate of approximately 7% corresponds to a doubling time of approximately 10 years. From 1985 to 2000, there are 15 years, which is close to one and a half doubling times. Starting from an initial population of 10,000 and doubling approximately 1.5 times would result in a population larger than the initial 10,000.
Therefore, option a, the town’s population has increased from an initial population of 10,000 in 1985, is the correct statement.