For an avian research study, scientists wanted to estimate the local robin population. The scientists captured, tagged, and released 84 robins. A week later, they noted 42 tagged robins out of the 380 robins they counted. To the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the robin population?
Q. For an avian research study, scientists wanted to estimate the local robin population. The scientists captured, tagged, and released 84 robins. A week later, they noted 42 tagged robins out of the 380 robins they counted. To the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the robin population?
Set up proportion: Step 1: Set up the proportion based on the capture-recapture method.We know:- Tagged robins found: 42- Total robins counted in second capture: 380- Total robins tagged initially: 84Let R be the estimated robin population.The proportion is set as:38042=R84
Solve proportion: Step 2: Solve the proportion by cross-multiplying to find R. Cross-multiplying gives: 42×R=84×380
Continue solving: Step 3: Continue solving for R. Divide both sides by 42 to isolate R: R=(84×380)/42R=760
More problems from Estimate population size using proportions