Logistic Population Model

00:00 8 marks

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The population, \(P\), of a species of bird on a remote island is modeled by the logistic function:

\(P(t) = \frac{L}{1+C\,e^{-kt}}\),

where \(t\) is the number of years since the observation began, \(L=2000\) is the carrying capacity, and \(C\) and \(k\) are positive constants. It is given that initially (\(t=0\)) \(P(0)=250\) and after 5 years \(P(5)=600\).

(a) Calculate the value of \(C\). [2]

(b) Show that \(k \approx 0.218\). [3]

(c) Predict the bird population after 15 years. [2]

(d) Find the number of years it will take for the population to reach 1800 birds. [1]

Part a

4 minutes 2 marks

Question

Calculate the value of \(C\). [2]



Hint Hint

Hint

Substitute \(t=0\) in \(P(t)=\frac{2000}{1+C\,e^{-kt}}\) to get \(250=\frac{2000}{1+C}\) and solve for \(C\).

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Complete Answer

C = 7

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Part b

5 minutes 3 marks

Question

Show that \(k \approx 0.218\). [3]



Hint Hint

Hint

Substitute \(t = 5\) with \(P(5)=600\) into the model and solve for \(k\).

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Complete Answer

k = ln(3)/5 ≈ 0.218

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Part c

4 minutes 2 marks

Question

Predict the bird population after 15 years. [2]



Hint Hint

Hint

Substitute \(t = 15\) and the value of \(k\) into the logistic model and evaluate.

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Complete Answer

Approximately 1600 birds

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Part d

3 minutes 1 marks

Question

Find the number of years it will take for the population to reach 1800 birds. [1]



Hint Hint

Hint

Set \(P(t)=1800\) in the model and solve for \(t\).

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Complete Answer

Approximately 21.4 years

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