To determine what is occurring in this population of squirrels, let's analyze the data given:
1. Causes of Increase in Population:
- Born: 4 squirrels
- Immigration: 10 squirrels
So, the total number of squirrels entering the population is:
[tex]\[
4 \text{ (Born)} + 10 \text{ (Immigration)} = 14 \text{ squirrels}
\][/tex]
2. Causes of Decrease in Population:
- Died from predation: 2 squirrels
- Left to find food: 3 squirrels
- Died from disease: 8 squirrels
- Left to find a mate: 3 squirrels
Thus, the total number of squirrels leaving the population is:
[tex]\[
2 \text{ (Died from predation)} + 3 \text{ (Left to find food)} + 8 \text{ (Died from disease)} + 3 \text{ (Left to find a mate)} = 16 \text{ squirrels}
\][/tex]
3. Net Effect on Population:
- Total Entering: 14 squirrels
- Total Leaving: 16 squirrels
The net change in the population is:
[tex]\[
14 \text{ (Entering)} - 16 \text{ (Leaving)} = -2 \text{ squirrels}
\][/tex]
Since the net change in the squirrel population is a decrease of 2 squirrels, we can conclude that the population growth is decreasing.
Therefore, the best description of what is occurring in this population of squirrels is: Population growth is decreasing.
