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C4.1.4—Capture-mark-release-recapture

Capture-mark-release-recapture explains how ecological evidence links organisms, resources and interactions to population size, distribution or community structure in a habitat.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
C4.1.4
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing5%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks3–6

Common command terms

  • Describe
  • Outline
  • Explain
  • Identify

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Confusing a population with a community or with all organisms in an ecosystem.

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper1B ["HL"] · TZ22(c)[ 3 ]C4.1.4—Capture-mark-release-recapture
May 2023Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ118(d)[ 3 ]C4.1.4—Capture-mark-release-recapture
November 2019Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ018[ 6 ]C4.1.4—Capture-mark-release-recapture
May 2019Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ119(a)[ 6 ]C4.1.4—Capture-mark-release-recapture
May 2014Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ111(b)[ 3 ]C4.1.4—Capture-mark-release-recapture
Practice this objective

Coverage 2012–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Capture-mark-release-recapture must be linked to the correct ecological unit, method or species interaction.
  • The evidence for capture-mark-release-recapture depends on measurable abundance, distribution, survival or resource patterns.
  • Capture-mark-release-recapture is clearest when cause, ecological process and population outcome are kept distinct.
  • Field or graph evidence for capture-mark-release-recapture needs biological interpretation, not values alone.
ConceptIB Biology HL