A Common Statistical Method for Estimating a Population Size Assumes

question 14

Essay

A common statistical method for estimating a population size assumes each member of the population has an equal probability of being captured. To assess this assumption for crocodile populations, investigators repeatedly sampled sections of rivers in Australia. Crocodile lengths were measured in size classes. Crocs 0.0 - 0.3 meters in length are in size class 1, 0.3 - 0.6 meters in length are size class 2, etc. The normal maximum adult length is in a class size of 9 or 10. The investigators fit a quadratic function relating the probability of capture and the size class of captured crocodiles. The output from their analysis is shown below.
(a) What proportion of the variability in probability of capture is explained by the crocodile's size class?
(b) Some biologists speculate that as crocodiles grow they become more wary of humans, and are more difficult to detect in the wild. Support or refute this belief by appealing to the analysis above.

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Definitions:

Interest Arbitration

A dispute resolution method where an impartial arbitrator makes binding decisions on labor-management disputes, especially during collective bargaining.

Plant Closings

The process of shutting down manufacturing facilities or plants, often leading to job losses and economic impacts on communities.

Surface Bargaining

A term used in labor relations to describe negotiations between a union and employer that are not intended to reach a meaningful agreement.

Distributive Bargaining

A negotiation strategy where parties aim to divide a fixed amount of resources, often resulting in a win-lose scenario.