HOw do i calculate this A population of Foxglove an annual p

HOw do i calculate this?

A population of Foxglove, an annual plant, increases at a rate of 0.187 indivs/indiv per year. Calculate the doubling time for this population.

Solution

Exponential growth occurs at a constant rate. In the above question, we are discussing the growth rate of an annual plant, Foxglove. Exponential growth is calculated using the formula. dN/dt = rN, over a time span expressed as t=0 to t=time period in question.

N(t) = N(0) x ert

N(0)= Initial value of quantity.

N(t)= size of quantity.

e = base of logarithm.

r = average growth rate.

t= Number of intervals (usually given in years)

In case where growth is doubled as in this case. N(t)/ N(0) = 2 and rt will be

rt = In 2 = 0.69

as in this case where the growth rate is expressed in decimal fraction.

growth of Foxglove is 0.187 indivs/indiv per year then here the doubling time is t2 = 0.69r. Applying the same

t2 = 0.69/ 0.187

= 3.68 years.

So foxglove population will double in 3.68 years.