An entomologist tags 40 bumblebees on day one. On day two, she tags 30% more than day one, and on day three, she tags 25% fewer than day two. How many total bees did she tag over the three days?

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:04:50 +0000

An entomologist tags 40 bumblebees on day one. On day two, she increases her tagging by 30%, and on day three, she records 25% fewer than day two. This gradual shift reveals how field data can fluctuate with momentum and observation rhythm. The story taps into a growing interest in citizen science and real-time wildlife tracking, where everyday researchers become key contributors to ecological monitoring. Public engagement with nature-based research continues rising, fueled by accessible educational platforms and social media sharing—making a day-by-day bee-tagging experiment inherently relatable and compelling. Understanding her progression requires precise calculations rooted in clear percentages—a process mirroring scientific logging standards. On day one: 40 bees tagged. On day two, 30% more equates to 40 × 1.3 = 52 bees. Day three shows a 25% drop from day two: 52 × 0.75 = 39 bees. Adding these: 40 + 52 + 39 = 131 total bees tagged over three days. This straightforward arithmetic reflects how incremental changes in field data can inform broader biodiversity studies. Why tracking bumblebees in sequence matters beyond numbers. Entomologists rely on consistent observational patterns to assess species behavior, migration rhythms, and environmental impact—critical for conservation efforts across the U.S. This model highlights how routine scientific data collection scales with simple tracking methods, offering insights that complement large-scale research. For curious readers, the pattern encourages participation, showing science doesn’t require labs—just attention and curiosity. People often wonder how field tags influence ecological understanding. This progression avoids sensationalism, instead emphasizing precision and patience. Real-world data grows through measured daily input, grounding abstract trends in tangible results. Moreover, tagging practice fosters public connection to nature, blending curiosity with responsibility.