The following table gives hypothetical annual total costs and total benefits of maintaining alternative populations of Asian elephants.

a. Calculate the marginal costs and benefits, and draw marginalbenefit and cost schedules.

b. Given the data, what is the socially optimal world population of Asian elephants?

c. Suppose that two events occur simultaneously. Technological development allows machines to do more efficiently much of the work that elephants once did, which reduces by \(10million the marginal benefit of maintaining the elephant population for each 7500increment in the elephant population. In addition, new techniques for breeding, feeding, and protecting elephants reduce the marginal cost by\)40million for each 7500increment in the elephant population. What is the new socially optimal population of Asian elephants?

Short Answer

Expert verified

For part a, we have the equilibrium where marginal cost equals marginal benefit at population 30000.

For part b, The optimal point is at30000elephants.

For part c, 37500elephants would be the new ideal point.

Step by step solution

01

Step 1:Given Information(Part a)

In the above given table, we have values on population of Asian elephants , total cost and total benefits and in the question, we are asked to find the marginal costs and benefits and draw graph

02

Step 2:Calulating marginal costs and marginal benefits (Part a) 

Subtracting the preceding cost or benefit yields the marginal cost or benefit.

As illustrated below, calculate the marginal cost and marginal benefit:

03

Step 3:Answer(Part a)

The table below displays the marginal cost and benefit of Asian elephant conservation.

04

Step 4:Graph(Part a)

A graph depicting the marginal cost and benefit:

05

Step 1:Given Information(Part b)

Here , we are asked to find the socially optimal world population of asian elephants.

06

Step 2:Explanation(Part b)

The optimal point is where the marginal cost and marginal benefit are equal. When the marginal benefit and cost are equal to 25, this happens with30000 elephants.

07

Step 1:Given Information(Part c)

we are asked to find the new socially optimal population of asian elephants when there is a reduction by $10million the marginal benefit of maintaining the elephant population for each 7,500increment in the elephant population. and by$40million for each 7,500increment in the elephant population due to new techniques for breeding, feeding, and protecting elephants .

08

Step 2:Explanation(Part c)

If the benefit is reduced by $10million and the marginal cost is reduced by$40million for each 7500elephants, the marginal benefit and marginal cost would be:

09

Step 3:Answer(Part c)

37500elephants would be the new ideal point.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Why might allowing profit-maximizing firms to manage the hunting of particular endangered animals potentially help to ensure the animals' species would not disappear? (Hint: Would a company continue to generate profits from selling hunting rights if it allowed hunters to kill all of the animals that it manages?)

Suppose that a new chief of the government agency discussed in the problem decides to reduce the number of pollution allowances that firms are permitted to own. Evaluate the effects this policy change will have on the market price of pollution allowances and discuss whether the policy appears to be fully consistent with the original intent of creating the market for these allowances.

The table below shows the estimated annual total costs and benefits of maintaining Asian elephant populations in their natural habitat.

The market price of insecticide is initially \(10 per unit. To address a negative externality in this market, the government decides to charge producers of insecticide for the privilege of polluting during the production process. A fee that fully takes into account the social costs of pollution is determined, and once it is put into effect, the market supply curve for insecticide shifts upward by \)4 per unit. The market price of insecticide also increases, to $12 per unit. What fee is the government charging insecticide manufacturers?

Consider the diagram in Problem 31-4, and answer the following questions.

a. Suppose that a new technology for reducing water pollution generates a reduction in the marginal cost of pollution abatement at every degree of water cleanliness. After this event occurs, will the optimal percentage degree of water cleanliness rise or fall? Will the cost incurred for the last unit of water cleanup increase or decrease? Provide a diagram to assist in your explanation.

b. Suppose that the event discussed in part (a) occurs and that, in addition, medical studies determine that the marginal benefit from water pollution abatement is higher at every degree of water cleanliness. Following both events, will the optimal percentage degree of water cleanliness increase or decrease? In comparison with the initial optimum, can you determine whether the cost incurred for the last unit of water cleanup will increase or decrease? Use a new diagram to assist in explaining your answers.

See all solutions

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free