If the initial population size is 996 plants and the geometric rate of increase is 2.4177, calculate the population size after eight years for the annual plant phlox drummondii.

Initial population size = 996

Geometric rate of increase = 2.4177

Duration = 8 years

Final population size = 996 * 2.4177^8

= 996 * 1167.3989

= 1,162,729.3

Therefore, the population size after eight years for the annual plant phlox drummondii is approximately 1,162,729