Population Estimation Using Mark and Recapture Technique

What is the best estimate for the hummingbird population using the mark and recapture technique?

A. 110 hummingbirds

B. 25 hummingbirds

C. 880 hummingbirds

D. 1,600 hummingbirds

Answer

The best estimate for the hummingbird population using the mark and recapture technique is 1,600 hummingbirds.

Have you ever wondered how scientists estimate the population of wildlife species in an area? One common method is the mark and recapture technique, which involves catching a sample of individuals, marking them in some way, releasing them back into the wild, and then catching another sample later to see how many are marked. By analyzing the proportion of marked individuals in the second sample, scientists can estimate the total population size.

In the case of Anne, the biologist studying hummingbirds, she first caught 200 hummingbirds and tagged them. Later, when she caught 880 hummingbirds, she found that 110 of them were tagged. By setting up a proportion between the initial tagged hummingbirds and the total initial capture, and the recaptured tagged hummingbirds and the total second capture, Anne was able to estimate that the hummingbird population in the area is approximately 1,600.

This technique relies on the assumption that the marked individuals are randomly distributed within the population and that the chances of catching a marked individual are the same as catching an unmarked individual. While the actual population size may vary and there are limitations to the method, mark and recapture is a valuable tool for population estimation in wildlife studies.

By using mathematical calculations and statistical analysis, scientists like Anne can make informed decisions about conservation efforts, habitat management, and population dynamics of hummingbirds and other species. Understanding population size is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.