A Marine Ecologist Counts the Number of Octopuses in Three

question 93

Multiple Choice

A marine ecologist counts the number of octopuses in three different intertidal regions that each measure 2 hectares. The octopus counts are 7, 2, and 6 respectively. What is the BEST estimate of population density for this particular species of octopus?

• A)2
• B)6
• C)7
• D)5
• E)More sampling would have to be done until two areas have the same count.

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Definitions:

Matched Pair

A study design element where subjects are paired based on specific characteristics, ensuring that each pair is as similar as possible except for the variable under investigation.

Statistically Significant

A measure indicating that the likelihood of an observed outcome occurring by chance is low, often used in research to validate findings.

Negative Correlation

A connection between two variables where as one variable goes up, the other goes down, and the opposite is also true.

Positive

Refers to a condition or state that is constructive, optimistic, or characterized by a beneficial outcome.