Choice B is the correct answer. The table shows populations at each year mark.

1. Check Table: At year 3, population = 8,000 (equals, not exceeds).
2. Pattern: Population doubles: $P(t) = 1000(2)^t$.
3. Year 4: $P(4) = 1000(2)^4 = 16,000 > 8,000$.
4. Conclusion: First exceeds 8,000 at year 4.

💡 Strategic Tip: "Exceed" means strictly greater than, not equal to.

Choice A is incorrect because at year 3, the population equals 8,000, not exceeds. Choice C is incorrect because at year 2, population is only 4,000. Choice D is incorrect because the population exceeds 8,000 before year 5.