[Campbell Biology P.1240] According to the text, for which type of population would the mark-... | Practice Question

According to the text, for which type of population would the mark-recapture method typically be the most appropriate technique for estimating population size?

  • A: Sessile organisms in a small, well-defined area, like sea stars in a tide pool.
  • B: Large, easily observable animals living in herds, such as elephants.
  • C: Organisms that move too quickly or are hidden from view, making direct counting difficult.
  • D: Trees in a homogeneous forest, where random plot sampling can be easily applied.

Explanation

The 'Application' section of Figure 53.2 states that the mark-recapture method is used when 'ecologists cannot count all the individuals in a population if the organisms move too quickly or are hidden from view.' This makes it ideal for elusive or mobile species like Hector's dolphins.