Capture and Recapture Lab
Capture and Recapture Lab
Objective: You will be expected to estimate the size of a sample population using the mark-
recapture technique. Be able to apply the technique to new population problems and compare the
mark and recapture technique to other methods of population estimating.
Technique 1: Sampling
A technique called sampling is sometimes used to estimate population size. In this procedure, the
organisms in a few small areas are counted and projected to the entire area. For instance, if a
biologist counts 10 squirrels living in a 200 square foot area, she could predict that there are 100
squirrels living in a 2000 square foot area.
2. A biologist collected 1 gallon of pond water and counted 50 paramecium. Based on the
sampling technique, how many paramecium could be found in the pond if the pond were 1,000
gallons?
3. What are some problems with this technique? What could affect its accuracy?
DATA
You will receive a bag that represents your population (beans, pennies, chips, beads)
Capture 10 “animals” by removing them randomly from the bag.
Place a mark on them using tape or string
Return the 10 marked “animals” to the container
With your eyes closed, grab a handful of the population. This is the recapture step.
Record the number of “animals” recaptured in total and the number that have a mark on
them on the data table
Return the “animals” to the bag and repeat. Do 10 recaptures.
When the ten recaptures are completed, enter the totals on the data table
5. Use the code-name on your bag to check with the teacher about how many “animals” are
really in your population.
Name on Bag ___________________________ Actual Size _________
Analysis
6. Compare the actual size to the estimated size. Did you overestimate or underestimate?
8. Given the following data, what would be the estimated size of a butterfly population in Wilson
Park.
A biologist originally marked 40 butterflies in Wilson Park. Over a month long period butterfly
traps caught 200 butterflies. Of those 200, 80 were found to have tags. Based on this information,
what is the estimated population size of the butterflies in Wilson Park? SHOW WORK to get
credit.