How might you estimate the population size for a species of bird?

As birds are a motile organism, we would use the mark-release-recapture method. First, capture a sample of individuals (possibly through mist netting), mark them (e.g. a wing tag or leg ring) and release. Then leave sufficient time for the marked individuals to mix evenly back into the population, before capturing another sample. To calculate the population size, we can then use the following equation:P=(S1xS2)/RWhere:P = Size of the population S1 = Number of individuals captured, and subsequently marked, in the first sample S2 = Number of individuals captured in the second sample R = Number of marked individuals captured in the second sample

Answered by Kieran L. Biology tutor

2862 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What factors affect the speed at which an action potential travels?


Some populations of animals that have never been hunted show very low levels of genetic diversity. Other than hunting, suggest two reasons why populations might show very low levels of genetic diversity.


Maltase is an enzyme found in the body that breaks down maltose. Explain why maltase can only catalyse this reaction?


What is the link between electrical activity of the heart and its contraction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences