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Question #46633
The Question
An ecologist uses the mark-recapture method to estimate the population density of a host species. Unknown to the ecologist, a prevalent parasite induces behavioral changes in the host, making them significantly more conspicuous and sluggish. If this parasitic manipulation causes the marked individuals to be disproportionately easier to trap during the second sampling phase, how will this affect the calculated population density, and which fundamental assumption of the method is violated?
Options
- A.
Systematic underestimation of population density; violation of the 'equal catchability' assumption.
- B.
Systematic overestimation of population density; violation of the 'random mixing' assumption.
- C.
Systematic underestimation of population density; violation of the 'closed population' assumption.
- D.
Systematic overestimation of population density; violation of the 'equal catchability' assumption.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Cuckoo|Crow|Optimal Foraging Theory
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The inverse mathematical relationship in the Lincoln-Petersen index (N is inversely proportional to R).
Common Misconception: Students intuitively assume that catching more marked individuals implies a larger population, whereas mathematically it implies the marked individuals constitute a larger fraction of a smaller total population.
Linking this to parasite-induced behavioral manipulation (Extended Phenotype) tests cross-topic synthesis between Population Ecology and Species Interactions.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Evolutionary Ecology of Parasitism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |