Question

Mark-recapture estimates are known to become less reliable the fewer the numbers of captures and recaptures. Why do you think mark-recapture methods in general require us to catch and mark substantial numbers of individuals?

Answer 1

Mark - recapture method involves first capturing a particular number of organisms in a specified niche and marking them. Then they are released into the environment and after a set period of time, the organisms are recaptured again and observed for the presence of marks. In this way, a rough estimation about the population is deduced.

This method involves capturing a substantial number of individuals because by capturing small set of organisms, there can be chances of them dying, or migrating to different places which can manipulate the numbers. Due to this reason capturing a substantial number of individuals is important.

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