Question

Phytoplankton grow abundantly in oceans around the world and are the foundation of marine food chain. One variety of phytoplankton growing in tropical waters is increasing at the rate of 10% per month. If it is estimated that there are 70 million in the water, how many will there be in 3 months

Answer 1

In 3 months, given a monthly growth rate of 10%, the phytoplankton population is expected to increase to approximately 93.17 million from an initial population of 70 million.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find how many phytoplankton there will be in 3 months, we can use the formula for compound interest, which in the context of population growth, is: P = P0 (1 + r)^n.

Applying these values to the formula:

P = 70 million * (1 + 0.10)^3

P = 70 million * (1.10)^3

P = 70 million * 1.331

P ≈ 93.17 million

Therefore, after 3 months, it is estimated that there will be approximately 93.17 million phytoplankton in the water.