Question

You are doing a mark-recapture experiment to determine the population size of the MendAliens living on an island in my back yard. Initially, you catch and mark 130 MendAliens, which you then release. Next, you capture 90 MendAliens, of which 20 are marked. What is your estimate of the population size of MendAliens living on the island in my back yard?a. 14

b. 29
c. 130
d. 585
e. 234,000

Answer 1

585.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mark recapture method is used to estimate the size of the population. The counting of an individual is impractical so a mark recapture method is used. The formula used to calculate the size of population is:

N = M× C / R.

Here, N is the number of individuals, M is individuals marked and capture, C is the individual captured second time and R is individuals recaptured.

M = 130, C = 90 and R = 20.

N = 130 × 90/20.

N = 585.

The estimated size of the population is 585.

Thus, the correct answer is option (d).