To determine what is occurring in the population of squirrels, we need to analyze the numbers of squirrels entering and leaving the population within the span of one year. Let's go through the given numbers step by step:
1. Squirrels leaving the population:
- Died from predation: 2 squirrels
- Left to find food: 3 squirrels
- Died from disease: 8 squirrels
- Left to find a mate: 3 squirrels
To get the total number of squirrels that have left the population, we sum these numbers:
[tex]\[
2 \text{ (predation)} + 3 \text{ (left for food)} + 8 \text{ (disease)} + 3 \text{ (left for mate)} = 16 \text{ squirrels}
\][/tex]
2. Squirrels entering the population:
- Born: 4 squirrels
- Immigration: 10 squirrels
To get the total number of squirrels that have entered the population, we sum these numbers:
[tex]\[
4 \text{ (born)} + 10 \text{ (immigration)} = 14 \text{ squirrels}
\][/tex]
3. Net change in population:
We compare the total number of squirrels entering the population with the total number of squirrels leaving the population:
[tex]\[
\text{Total Entered} - \text{Total Left} = 14 \text{ (entered)} - 16 \text{ (left)} = -2 \text{ squirrels}
\][/tex]
Since the difference is negative, it means the population is decreasing.
Therefore, the best description of what is occurring in this population is:
Population growth is decreasing.
