The most widely used technique to estimate the size of animal populations is
A)quadrat sampling.
B)mark-recapture.
C)counts of animal scat.
D)direct counts of all individuals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mark-recapture is the most widely used technique to estimate the size of animal populations. This involves capturing a sample of animals, marking them in a way that does not harm them, and then releasing them back into the population. After a period of time, another sample of animals is captured, and the number of marked individuals in this sample is recorded. This information is then used to estimate the size of the entire population. This method is often used for mobile or elusive animals, as direct counts may be difficult. Quadrat sampling may be used for plants, but not animals. Counting animal scat can provide information on animal presence/abundance, but not exact population size. Direct counts of all individuals may be impossible for some species due to mobility, habitat complexity, or other factors.

The Most Widely Used Technique to Estimate the Size of Animal