BIOL 3370L

MARK-RECAPTURE LAB

An important step in an ecosystem study is determining population size of

the species present. This laboratory includes an exercise in estimating the
population size of animals using the "mark-recapture" method.
The mark-recapture sampling method, also called capture-recapture, relies
on a simple idea. During a given period of time one captures as many members of
the population as possible and marks them in some fashion. Mice might be marked
by small punch-holes in the ears, or beetles might be marked by a small dot of
paint. At some later time, the capturing procedure is repeated and the number of
both marked and unmarked captured animals is recorded. If certain assumptions
are correct, the proportion of marked individuals in the second sample will be the
same as the proportion of individuals marked previously compared to the "unknown"
number of individuals in the total population.
Suppose: N = number of individuals in the total population
M = number of individuals captured and marked
C = total number of animals captured during the
second capture period
R = number of marked animals caught (recaptured)
during the second capture period

Then:

M/N = R/C

and if this is true, then:

N = MC/R

This gives us an estimate of the size of the population, N.

Theory is all well and good, but experience shows that there is some bias in
this equation, and that, in the long run, a more accurate estimate comes by using
the following formula.

N = M (C+1)/(R + 1)
The capture-recapture method rests on several assumptions:
1. All individuals in the population have an equal chance of being captured.
2. There is no change in the ratio of marked to unmarked animals between capture
times. This means that there have been no significant additions of unmarked
individuals to the population via births or immigration and that decreases in the
population (death or emigration) have affected marked and unmarked individuals
proportionally.
3. Marked individuals distribute themselves in the population homogeneously after
being released.
4. Capturing an organism does not affect its chances of being recaptured.
5. Marks are not lost or overlooked.

FIELD

(Depending on weather conditions we may do an in-lab practice exercise of this

method)

The mark-recapture method of estimating population size will be used to estimate

the population size of grasshoppers in a field.
In the field, the first mark-recapture lab of the week will capture & mark
grasshoppers. The number of marked individuals will be recorded.
Forty-eight hours later, the second lab-group will collect in the same sample area,
recording the total number captured, and noting how many of these were already
marked (number recaptured).

Assignment:

Prepare a word document that includes a table where you show the numbers for M, C, and R, and use the equation
N=M(C+1)/(R+1) to calculate a population estimate for grasshoppers/crickets

Then, in the same document, address each of the assumptions involved. Rewrite each assumption, state whether you
think it was met in the conditions of our study, and EXPLAIN why or why not you think it was met. Each
assumption thus merits a small paragraph of text.

This assignment will be done as individuals. It will be due the week after the date listed in the syllabus, as a typed
hard copy at the start of lab time.