Final answer:
To calculate the predicted population of brain coral in a reef, the number of corals found in an initial area is used to estimate the total population over the larger reef area using a proportion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When estimating the predicted population of brain coral in a reef covering 120 m2, researchers would first need to know the number of corals found in their initial area sampled during dive 1. Assume they found 'X' brain corals in a defined area 'A.' To estimate the total population, a simple proportion can be used:
Total Brain Coral Population = (X brain corals / A m2) * 120 m2
Let's say during dive 1, researchers found 30 brain corals in a 10 m2 area. The calculation would be:
Total Brain Coral Population = (30 / 10) * 120 = 3 * 120 = 360 brain corals
This approach assumes uniform distribution across the entire reef, which might not be the case in real-world scenarios. However, this method provides an estimation that can be used for conservation and study purposes.