GCSE Mathematics · key term

Capture–recapture

Definition

A method of estimating population size by marking one sample, releasing it and counting the marked individuals found in a later sample.

Used by Edexcel

Specification S1 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

Capture–recapture estimates the size of a population when counting every individual directly would be difficult, such as fish in a lake or animals moving through a habitat.
Revise: Populations and Samples

1
In capture–recapture, $m$ is the number of marked individuals in the second sample. It is not the total number marked or the size of the second sample.
2
If no marked individuals are recaptured, then $m=0$ and the capture–recapture formula cannot be used.

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GCSE Mathematics · key term

A method of estimating population size by marking one sample, releasing it and counting the marked individuals found in a later sample.

Used by Edexcel

Specification S1 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

Capture–recapture estimates the size of a population when counting every individual directly would be difficult, such as fish in a lake or animals moving through a habitat.
Revise: Populations and Samples

1
In capture–recapture, $m$ is the number of marked individuals in the second sample. It is not the total number marked or the size of the second sample.
2
If no marked individuals are recaptured, then $m=0$ and the capture–recapture formula cannot be used.

Create a free account to read GCSE Mathematics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.