Final answer:
Using the mark and recapture method with the formula (Number of marked individuals in first catch x Total number of second catch) / Number of marked individuals recaptured in second catch, the estimated population size of the fruit flies is 21,330.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate the population of fruit flies, the scientist is using a process called mark and recapture, which is a common method used in ecology to estimate an animal population's size. The key formula for the mark-recapture method is:
Estimated population size = (Number of marked individuals in first catch x Total number of second catch) / Number of marked individuals recaptured in second catch.
In this case:
Number of marked individuals in first catch = 1,470
Total number of second catch = 464
Number of marked individuals recaptured in second catch = 32
By plugging in the numbers:
Estimated population size = (1,470 x 464) / 32 = 21,330
Since we should round to the nearest whole number, the best estimate for the fruit fly population is 21,330.