To gather information about the elk population, biologist marked 75 elk. Later, they flew over the region and counted 250 elk, of which 15 were marked. What is the best estimate for the elk population?
Responses
A 1,2501,250
B 1,2001,200
C 1,3501,350
D 1,300
To estimate the elk population, we can use the formula:
Total population = (number marked in first sample x number in second sample) / number re-captured in second sample
Plugging in the values given:
Total population = (75 x 250) / 15
Total population = 1,250
Therefore, the best estimate for the elk population is 1,300 (rounded to the nearest hundred).
To estimate the elk population, we can set up a proportion using the information given.
First, we know that 75 elk were marked, and out of the 250 elk counted, 15 were marked.
To find the estimated population, we can set up the following proportion:
Marked Elk / Total Elk = Marked Elk in Sample / Sample Size
75 / Total Elk = 15 / 250
Cross-multiplying, we get:
15 * Total Elk = 75 * 250
Dividing both sides by 15, we get:
Total Elk = (75 * 250) / 15
Simplifying this expression, we get:
Total Elk ≈ 1250
Therefore, the best estimate for the elk population is 1,250 (option A).