A wildlife biologist studying amphibians finds that the population of a certain frog species doubles every 3 years. If the current population is 1,200 frogs, what will the population be in 15 years?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:00:44 +0000

**Why Amphibian Populations Are Changing—and What That Means for Ecosystems** 1. **The Quiet Shift in Nature’s Trade Balances**
A wildlife biologist studying amphibians finds that a certain frog species doubles its population every 3 years. If today’s count stands at 1,200 frogs, what will the numbers look like in just 15 years? This steady growth pattern offers a window into broader environmental and ecological dynamics, sparking attention across science communities and conservation circles. As ongoing research reveals, such doubling intervals reflect both natural resilience and complex pressures influencing habitat health. 2. **The Trend Driving Public and Scientific Curiosity**
A wildlife biologist studying amphibians finds that the population of a certain frog species doubles every 3 years. If the current population is 1,200 frogs, what will the population be in 15 years? This pattern is gaining traction in the US as renewed interest in freshwater ecosystems builds. From backyard birdwatchers to environmental policy planners, people increasingly recognize amphibians as sensitive indicators of climate and habitat shifts. The observable doubling every three years reflects a dynamic balance between reproduction rates, survival challenges, and environmental factors—making this trend a compelling topic in sustainable and ecological discussions. 3. **How Population Doubling Works in This Case**
A wildlife biologist studying amphibians finds that the population of a certain frog species doubles every 3 years. With a starting population of 1,200 frogs, growth follows a simple exponential model: each 3-year cycle multiplies the current number by two. Over 15 years—comprising five 3-year intervals—the population simply doubles five times. That means: 1,200 × 2⁵ = 1,200 × 32 = 38,400 frogs. This predictable, steady increase reveals the species’ strong reproductive potential when conditions remain stable.