Evaluate each of the following methodologies for estimating population size of a
ID: 163931 • Letter: E
Question
Evaluate each of the following methodologies for estimating population size of a population of lemmings. Method 1: Day 1 40 lemmings are caught in traps baited with food, individuals are counted and released after being marked by punching a hole through the left ear. Day 2 60 lemmings are captured using the same methodology as Day 1, 24 of these are recaptured individuals from Day 1. Method 2: Day 1 40 lemmings are caught in traps not baited with food, individuals are counted and released after being marked on the back with fluorescent yellow paint. Day 2 30 lemmings are captured using the same methodology as Day 1, 4 of these are recaptured individuals from Day 1. Calculate the estimated population size using the data obtained by each methodology. If the actual number of individuals in the population is 200, evaluate the accuracy of each of the methodologies used, and explain how the methodology used might have affected the accuracy of the estimates.
Explanation / Answer
in method 1, lemmings captured=40(day 1)
day 2, new lemmings captured = 60, 24 were recaptured.
estimated populatin size by method 1, number recapture/total in second sample=marked initially/population size
therefore, population size= (total in second sample x marked initially)/ number recaptured= (60x 40)/24=100
in method 2, lemmings capture=40(day 1)
day 2, new lemmings captured= 30, 4 were recaptured
applying above stated formula, population size for seconf method would be= 300
in method one, more number of individuals were recaptured because the lemmings had an idea of getting food by being trapped thus they're trap happy individuals because they knew being trapped have a reward(food)
in second method, the organism learned to escape the trap and became trap shy. thus less number of indivduals were recaptured. this method obtained populatio size more compared to actual size.
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