Mark-Release-Recapture
A technique for estimating mobile animal population sizes by capturing, marking, releasing, and subsequently recapturing individuals.
Formula
N = (M × C) / R
Real World
The Great Crested Newt MRR surveys required by UK planning law use toe-clipping or elastomer tags to estimate pond populations, determining whether a development site triggers legal protection under the Habitats Regulations.
Exam Focus
When calculating population size using Lincoln Index, show the substitution of M, C, and R explicitly — method marks are awarded even if the final answer is wrong.
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