Which Assumption Applies to the Mark-Recapture Method

Question

Which assumption applies to the mark-recapture method?
A) Marked individuals become "trap-happy" relative to unmarked individuals.
B) Marked individuals avoid recapture, relative to unmarked individuals.
C) Few individuals enter or leave the study area during the period between mark and recapture.
D) The population size changes dramatically between the time of mark and recapture.

Accepted Answer

The mark-recapture method assumes that few individuals enter or leave the study area during the period between mark and recapture. This is necessary for accurate population estimates. If many individuals enter or leave the area during this time, the mark-recapture method will not provide an accurate population estimate.