Question

An ecologist is planning to measure both the size and density of a plant population. Identify the experimental method that can best provide these data.

a) Observational study
b) Field experiment
c) Mark and recapture
d) Laboratory experiment

Answer 1

The mark and recapture method is the best experimental method to measure both the size and density of a plant population.

Step-by-step explanation:

The experimental method that can best provide data on both the size and density of a plant population is mark and recapture. This method involves marking a sample of captured plants in some way and then releasing them back into the environment. Later, researchers collect a new sample, including some marked plants (recaptures) and some unmarked plants, to estimate the population size and density.