How would an ecologist calculate the future size of a population?

• A. By observing the migration patterns of the population
• B. By measuring the current birth rate only
• C. By counting the number of individuals in the population
• D. By using the exponential growth model

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of exponential growth in populations, which assumes that the population grows at a constant rate over time without any limiting factors.
2. Identify the formula for exponential growth, which is typically expressed as \( N(t) = N_0 e^{rt} \), where \( N(t) \) is the future population size, \( N_0 \) is the initial population size, \( r \) is the growth rate, and \( t \) is the time period.
3. Determine the initial population size \( N_0 \) by counting the number of individuals currently in the population.
4. Calculate the growth rate \( r \) by considering factors such as birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns, if applicable.
5. Use the exponential growth formula to calculate the future population size \( N(t) \) by substituting the values of \( N_0 \), \( r \), and \( t \) into the equation.