The population of bees in a certain county is changing according to the equation , where y = population in billions and t = time in years. which statement describes how the bee population is changing? 1. the population is decreasing at a rate of 96% per year. 2. the population is increasing at a rate of 96% per year. 3. the population is increasing at a rate of 4% per year. 4. the population is decreasing at a rate of 4% per year.