Determining Population Growth

In one year, biologists tracking a bear population counted 33 new baby bear cubs in a population of 546 bears.

  1. Calculate the birth rate (b) of this population.
  2. In the same year, the biologists counted 28 black bear deaths. Calculate the death rate for this population.
  3. What is the per capita rate of increase for this black bear population?
  4. What would you estimate the change in black bear population size would be for the following year? Be sure to adjust the N to reflect the new births and deaths. When you get your answer, round to the “nearest bear” and answer the question – is this population increasing or decreasing in size?
  5. Determine the number of births and deaths you would expect the following year. Round to the “nearest bear