Solve the problem.
12) The rabbit population in a forest area grows at the rate of monthly. If there are 150 rabbits in September, find
how many rabbits (rounded to the nearest whole number) should be expected by next September. Use

To determine the expected rabbit population by next September, we can use the formula provided . Here, is the estimated population, with representing the number of months since the initial population was counted (in September). Since we want to find the population after 12 months, we’ll set .

Now, substituting into the equation:

Rounding to the nearest whole number, the expected rabbit population by next September is approximately 273 rabbits.

For those who love a little bit of historical trivia, did you know that the population dynamics of rabbits have often been studied in relation to ecological balance? The famous rabbit plague in Australia in the 19th century led to the introduction of various measures to control the population, some of which were controversial and sparked debates about wildlife management.

If you’re interested in digging deeper into exponential growth and population studies, “The Ecology of Invasions by Animals and Plants” by Charles S. Elton offers fascinating insights on how species can multiply rapidly under certain conditions. It’s a compelling read that explores various factors influencing animal populations and can even give you a glimpse into the mathematics behind it!