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A-LevelBiologyBiodiversity and conservationMay/June 2019Paper 4 Q76 Marks

The passage below outlines one method used by a student to estimate the population size of an animal species. Complete the passage by using the most appropriate scientific term or terms. A student estimated the population size of an animal species using the mark-release- technique. This can only be used for animals such as mice. The student caught a sample of mice using humane traps. The student then marked the mice in a way that did not them. For example, the mark did not make them more visible to potential . The student released the marked mice and left enough time for them to randomly with the population. The student then caught a second sample of mice and noted the numbers of marked and unmarked mice. The student estimated the population size by multiplying the number of mice in the first sample by the number in the second sample, then dividing by the number of mice in the second sample.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Biology Question

Topic

This structured question tests Biodiversity and conservation in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 6 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2019 examination, Paper 4 Variant 3.

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