the petrel is an endangered species of bird native to henderson island. to monitor the petrel population…

the petrel is an endangered species of bird native to henderson island. to monitor the petrel population, scientists catch 24 petrels and tag them. a month later, they capture 500 petrels and notice that 15 of them are tagged. to the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the petrel population?

the petrel is an endangered species of bird native to henderson island. to monitor the petrel population, scientists catch 24 petrels and tag them. a month later, they capture 500 petrels and notice that 15 of them are tagged. to the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the petrel population?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Let $x$ be the total petrel population. The proportion of tagged - to - total in the first sample should be equal to the proportion of tagged - to - total in the second sample. So we have $\frac{24}{x}=\frac{15}{500}$.

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us $15x = 24\times500$.

Step3: Solve for $x$

First, calculate $24\times500 = 12000$. Then $x=\frac{12000}{15}$. $x = 800$.

Answer:

800