Note: Enter your answer and show all the steps that you use to solve this problem in the space provided.
A researcher tagged 40 giant turtles in 2008. In 2009, she returned and captured 50 turtles, 16 of which were tagged. In 2010, she returned again and captured 30 turtles, 8 of which were tagged.
Use a proportion to estimate the turtle population for 2009.
Use a proportion to estimate the turtle population for 2010.
To estimate the turtle population for 2009:
1. Set up a proportion using the tagged turtles as a sample of the total population:
tagged turtles in 2009 / total turtles in 2009 = tagged turtles in 2008 / total turtles in 2008
2. Plug in the values given in the problem:
16 / 50 = 40 / x
3. Cross-multiply and solve for x:
16x = 50 * 40
x = 125
Therefore, the estimated turtle population for 2009 is 125.
To estimate the turtle population for 2010:
1. Set up a proportion using the tagged turtles as a sample of the total population:
tagged turtles in 2010 / total turtles in 2010 = tagged turtles in 2008 / total turtles in 2008
2. Plug in the values given in the problem:
8 / 30 = 40 / x
3. Cross-multiply and solve for x:
8x = 30 * 40
x = 150
Therefore, the estimated turtle population for 2010 is 150.