Question

Twenty-three brown bats were captured, marked, and released. One week later, 29 were captured, and 11 of them had been marked. Calculate the estimated population size of brown bats using the capture-recapture method.

Answer 1

The estimated population size of brown bats, calculated using the capture-recapture method with the given numbers, is approximately 61 bats.

Step-by-step explanation:

To estimate the population size of brown bats using the capture-recapture method, we can use the information provided. The initial number of bats captured, marked, and later recaptured allows us to estimate the total population size. Using the formula (number of marked first catch × total number of second catch) ÷ number of marked second catch, we plug in the numbers provided: (23 × 29) ÷ 11.

Calculating this gives us (667) ÷ 11, which equals approximately 60.64. Therefore, the estimated population size of the brown bats is approximately 61, when rounded to the nearest whole number.

It should be noted that this method has limitations such as potential avoidance or preferential recapture of marked individuals and it's critical to consider these factors when interpreting the results.