Question

In a pond, last year there were 30 lotus plants. Through reproduction, 25 new lotus plants were added in one year while 8 plants died. The birth and death rates for the lotus population respectively are ____ and ____ individuals per lotus per year.

• A. 0.83, 0.26
• B. 0.26, 0.83
• C. 0.25, 0.80
• D. 0.80, 0.25

Answer 1

The correct option is A 0.83, 0.26

In a population, birth and death rates refer to births and deaths per thousand per year. The rates, hence, expressed are changes in numbers (increase or decrease) with respect to members of the population.
If in a pond there were 30 lotus plants and through reproduction 25 new lotus plants are added, taking the current population to 55,
We calculate the birth rate as 25/30 = 0.83 offspring per lotus per year.
The death rate will be calculated as 8/30 = 0.26 deaths per lotus per year.