A zoologist studying migration patterns observes that a herd of wildebeest increases by 50 animals every month, but loses 10% of its total size each month due to predators. If the herd starts with 100 animals, how many are present after 2 months?

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:20:49 +0000

**How Wildebeest Herd Dynamics Reveal a Deeper Look at Wildlife Resilience** What’s beneath the endless savanna could shape how we understand climate, survival, and nature’s quiet math? A zoologist studying migration patterns observes a striking monthly shift: a wildebeest herd grows by 50 animals each month, yet faces a 10% seasonal loss to predators. This pattern, increasingly visible in recent wildlife data, sparks interest among conservationists, researchers, and curious travelers. The herd’s fate—rising then shrinking—mirrors broader ecological rhythms influenced by both resource availability and natural pressures. Understanding this dynamic isn’t just a curiosity: it reveals how ecosystems respond to change, offering insights essential for environmental stewardship and sustainable wildlife management across the United States and beyond. **The Science Behind the Numbers: A Monthly Breakdown** At month zero, the herd consists of 100 wildebeest. Each month begins with a 50-animal increase: 100 + 50 = 150. Then, 10% of the current total is subtracted due to predation. For month two, we apply the same pattern starting from 150: 150 + 50 = 200, then 10% loss from 200 yields 200 × 0.90 = 180. This cycle reflects how favorable increases can be quickly offset by natural pressures in open ecosystems. The data shows rational resilience—growth meets risk in a balance shaped by decades of survival strategies.