Question

A sample of 24 bugs are collected and released back into the wild. Ten months later, scientists caught 20 bugs, 2 of which had been previously marked from the first sample. How many bugs are in the population of that area?

A) 24
B) 48
C) 120
D) 240

Answer 1

To estimate the population size, the mark and recapture method can be used. By using the ratio of marked to unmarked bugs in the samples, the population size can be calculated as 240 bugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

To estimate the population size of bugs in the area, we can use the mark and recapture method. Initially, a sample of 24 bugs is collected and marked. After ten months, a new sample of 20 bugs is collected, 2 of which are marked. We can use the ratio of marked to unmarked bugs to estimate the population size. Using the equation (initial sample size x new sample size)/(number of recaptured marked bugs), we can calculate the population size as (24 x 20)/2 = 240 bugs. Therefore, the correct answer is D) 240 bugs.