Final answer:
The mark and recapture method estimates population size by capturing, marking, releasing, and recapturing individuals. It is suitable for mobile animal populations and provides an estimation by analyzing the ratio of marked to unmarked individuals in a recaptured sample. This method has some limitations but is widely used for mammals, birds, or fish.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about the mark and recapture method of counting population numbers is d) It estimates population size by capturing, marking, releasing, and recapturing individuals. This technique is often used for smaller mobile organisms such as mammals, birds, or fish. Individuals are captured, marked with tags, bands, paint, or other body markings, and released back into their environment. A second capture is then made, and the ratio of marked to unmarked individuals in this second sample is used to estimate the total population size.
For example, if 80 field mice are captured, marked, and released, and then out of a second capture of 100 mice, 20 are found to be marked, we can estimate the population size to be 400, calculated as (80 x 100) / 20 = 400. There are some limitations to this method, including behavioral avoidance or attraction to traps after marking, and potential harm to the animals due to the marking technique.