In a year, a population of lions had four births, two deaths from disease, one natural death, five emigrations, and five immigrations. In the same year, a population of zebras had five births, three deaths, four emigrations, and one immigration. Which best explains the data? Zebras and lions are both experiencing a negative population growth.
Zebras and lions are both experiencing a positive population growth.
The zebras have a higher population growth than the lions have.
The zebras have a lower population growth than the lions have.

The zebras have a lower population growth than the lions have.

Explanation:

Population growth can be defined as the increase in the number of individuals in a particular population. Population growth is negatively affected by the mortality rate and emigration rate, while it is positively affected by the birth rate and migration. In this case, the net population growth (NPG) of each population is equal to:

NPG lion population = 4 births + 5 immigrations -3 deaths (2 deaths from diseases and one natural death) -5 emigrations = 1  

NPG zebra population = 5 births + 1 immigration -3 deaths - 4 emigrations = -1

The zebras have a lower population growth than the lions have.

Explanation:

Edge 2021