Math Problem Statement

A population of 50 deer are introduced into a wildlife sanctuary. It is estimated that the sanctuary can sustain up to 300 deer. Absent constraints, the population would grow by 80% per year.

Estimate the population after one year

Solution

To estimate the deer population after one year, we can use the logistic growth model, which accounts for population limits due to resource constraints. The model is described by:

P(t)=K1+(KP0P0)ertP(t) = \frac{K}{1 + \left(\frac{K - P_0}{P_0}\right)e^{-rt}}

Where:

  • P(t)P(t) is the population at time tt,
  • KK is the carrying capacity (300 deer),
  • P0P_0 is the initial population (50 deer),
  • rr is the intrinsic growth rate (80% = 0.8 per year),
  • tt is the time in years.

Step 1: Set up the equation

Given: P0=50,K=300,r=0.8,t=1P_0 = 50, \quad K = 300, \quad r = 0.8, \quad t = 1

The population after 1 year is: P(1)=3001+(3005050)e0.81P(1) = \frac{300}{1 + \left(\frac{300 - 50}{50}\right)e^{-0.8 \cdot 1}}

Step 2: Simplify

First, calculate the fraction inside: KP0P0=3005050=5\frac{K - P_0}{P_0} = \frac{300 - 50}{50} = 5

Substitute back into the equation: P(1)=3001+5e0.8P(1) = \frac{300}{1 + 5e^{-0.8}}

Step 3: Compute e0.8e^{-0.8}

Using an approximation: e0.80.449e^{-0.8} \approx 0.449

Substitute: P(1)=3001+5(0.449)=3001+2.245=3003.245P(1) = \frac{300}{1 + 5(0.449)} = \frac{300}{1 + 2.245} = \frac{300}{3.245}

Step 4: Final calculation

P(1)92.4P(1) \approx 92.4

Conclusion

After one year, the estimated population is approximately 92 deer.


Do you want further clarifications or details about this calculation? Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How does the logistic model differ from exponential growth in terms of population predictions?
  2. What would the population be after 2 years under the same conditions?
  3. How is the carrying capacity KK determined in real-life scenarios?
  4. What happens if rr is higher or lower? How does it affect the growth rate?
  5. How do environmental factors influence the assumptions of logistic growth?

Tip: Always double-check whether resource constraints like carrying capacity are realistic when applying population growth models!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logistic Growth
Exponential Decay
Population Modeling

Formulas

Logistic growth model: P(t) = K / (1 + ((K - P0) / P0) * e^(-rt))

Theorems

Logistic Growth Equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12