Which of the following sampling techniques represents an index of abundance rather than an estimate of density?
A)number of oak trees within a quadrat
B)number of bear droppings along a trail
C)ratio of marked and unmarked mice in a field
D)number of ducks on a pond

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Counting the number of bear droppings along a trail represents an index of abundance, as it provides information on the presence or activity level of bears in that area. It does not give an estimate of the actual density of the bear population. The other three sampling techniques provide estimates of density: A) counting the number of oak trees within a quadrat gives an estimate of the density of oak trees in that area; C) the ratio of marked and unmarked mice in a field can be used to estimate the density of the mouse population; D) counting the number of ducks on a pond gives an estimate of the density of ducks in that area.

Which of the Following Sampling Techniques Represents an Index of Abundance