Q102 · Practice questionComplex familiar1 mark
QUESTION 102
In a capture–recapture study, marks are retained and the population is closed. Marked animals become less likely than unmarked animals to enter a trap. With first-capture number M and second-capture number n unchanged, the Lincoln-index estimate is most likely to
(A)
decrease because fewer animals enter traps.
(B)
remain accurate because the population is closed.
(C)
become exactly equal to M.
(D)
increase because marked recaptures are underrepresented.
WORKED SOLUTION
1 markAnswer D
Answer
D
Working
Trap avoidance lowers the marked recaptures m relative to equal-capture conditions. Since N = Mn/m, a smaller denominator increases the estimate.
Marking criteria
- Select D. [1 mark]
Practice question aligned to the current QCAA syllabus; review the worked solution and marking criteria.
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