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IB Biology SL C4.1.4 Capture Mark Release Recapture Questions

Capture, mark, release and recapture animals, then use marked and total counts to estimate population size with the Lincoln index in IB Biology SL C4.1.4.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Carry out capture-mark-release-recapture: capture and mark a representative first sample without affecting survival, release it and allow thorough mixing before a second capture.
  • Count total and marked animals in the second sample and apply the Lincoln/Petersen estimate N = n₁ × n₂ / n₃, stating assumptions such as random mixing, stable marks, no migration and negligible births or deaths.

IB Biology SL C4.1.4 Capture Mark Release Recapture Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

The image shows a castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) which is commonly found in woodlands or forest areas. This tick can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease in humans.

Figure for Question IB Biology SL C4.1.4 Capture Mark Release Recapture Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

Explain how the capture-mark-release-recapture method could be used to estimate the size of a tick population.

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