IB ESS HL 2.1.17 Capture-Mark-Release-Recapture Question Bank
Apply capture-mark-release-recapture to estimate mobile population size and evaluate assumptions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify the population or ecosystem process in the evidence
- apply the correct interaction, growth or sampling model
- justify the conclusion using limiting factors, assumptions and uncertainty
2.1.17—Capture-mark-release-recapture question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Outline how the abundance of a motile species in an ecosystem can be measured.
abundance of motile organisms can be measured using direct and/or indirect methods;
b. numbers can be counted from aerial images/ satellite images/trigger cameras over a representative area
c. overall population numbers can be calculated from extrapolation to whole area;
d. mark recapture techniques can be used to sample populations / description of Lincoln Index method/equation;
e. method of capture e.g. pitfall trap/live trap/collection of species
f. method of marking with appropriate tag that doesn't affect survival;
g. appropriate time interval between release and recapture
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