A scientist is trying to determine the population size of western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) in the Sycamore Canyon Park in Riverside using the mark-recapture method. During her first sampling event, she caught and marked 50 lizards which she then released back into the population. A week later she caught a total of 45 lizards, 7 of which were marked. What is the estimated population size of the western fence lizard?

Question

Biology

Annalise Morse

12 November, 16:48

A scientist is trying to determine the population size of western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) in the Sycamore Canyon Park in Riverside using the mark-recapture method. During her first sampling event, she caught and marked 50 lizards which she then released back into the population. A week later she caught a total of 45 lizards, 7 of which were marked. What is the estimated population size of the western fence lizard?

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Answers (1)

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Tamia Calderon · Answer 1

approximately 321

Explanation:

Using the mark recapture method formula, we can estimate the population size of the western fence lizard from this.

N = (M*C) / R

Where N is the estimated pop size

M is the first capture marked

C is the total second capture

R is the marked recaptured

Thus, N = (50*45) / 7

N = 2250/7 = approximately 321