In a mark-recapture study to estimate the size of a rodent population, researchers catch and mark 30 individuals. Two days later, they again capture a number of rodents and find that 20% of the individuals are marked. Assuming no births, deaths, or migrations, what is the estimated size of the population?
A) 60
B) 90
C) 150
D) 300

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The proportion of marked individuals in the second capture (20%) is equal to the proportion of the marked individuals in the entire population. If 30 individuals are marked, and this represents 20% of the population, then the total population size is 30 / 0.20 = 150.

In a Mark-Recapture Study to Estimate the Size of a Rodent