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

KL
Answered by Kieran L. Biology tutor

3840 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process that allows an action potential to be passed across a synapse in the parasympathetic nervous system.


Explain how the potential difference across the neuronal cell membrane changes during conduction of an action potential


What cells produce glucagon?


What are the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning