Question

Name: The following questions pertain to our groundbreaking study of Argia vivida damselflies at Big Dalton Canyon 2. Provide a population size estimate using an appropriate method. Use the data on the Canvas discussion post. (6 points) a. Write an abstract that reports on our study to the City of Glendora Parks. (9 points) b. Identify assumptions of mark-recapture that may have been violated during our study. (5 points) c.

Please show step by step answer.

Answer 1

Solution for Q.2 a)

1. Population's size is often estimated by taking one or more samples from the population. 2. Using these samples inferences are drawn about the population as a whole. 3. As Argia vivida damselfies are a moving insects, Quadrat method could not be used here. 4. For organisms that move around a technique called the Mark-recapture method is used to determine population size. 5. Detailed method: This method involves capturing a sample of Argia vivida damselfies and marking them either by using tags, bands, paint, or other body markings. Then, the marked Argia vivida damselfies were released back into the environment and were allowed to mix with the rest of the population. 6. Later, a new sample is collected. This new sample will include some individuals that are marked (recaptures) and some individuals that are unmarked. Using the ratio of marked to unmarked individuals, we estimated the total population size of Argia vivida damselfies.

Solution for Q.2 b)

1. City of Glendora Park is known for the use and appreciation of the area of park for maintainence of it's wilderness quality and the park resources are enhancement for educational purposes . 2. The Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness area was originally under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. In 1964, the City of Glendora acquired the land from the Glendora Water Company for future use as a recreational area. 3. The canyon area is located in the north-east portion of the City of Glendora, in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills. 4. The principal feature is the canyon itself, composed of very steep slopes with very few level areas except in the canyon bottom. 5. The City of Glendora Park shows area-wide comprehensive plan with an emphasis being given upon the flora and fauna native to the area. 6. There are many activities and uses that are in harmony with the wilderness area. 7. The Glendora Park's uses are being designed to accommodate the needs of public, varied policies have been adopted and implemented for the same. 8. The area has been included in several plans which have uses as golf courses, recreational lakes, and other such activities. 9.These activities have been deemed as out of harmony with the minimum use, low density criteria established by the Glendora Parks and Recreation Commission. 10. There is sufficient safety to environmental hazards such as flooding, fire, landslides seismic activity, etc. 11. City of Glendora Park provides a good recreational and educational resource.

Solution for Q.2 c)

Assumptions of Mark-recapture method that have been violated during study can be presented as:

1. Some Argia vivida damselfies from the first catch may have learnt to avoid capture in the second round. this may inflate population estimates. 2. There are chances that the same Argia vivida damselfy may be retrapped. 3. This may occur especially if a food reward is offered to Argia vivida damselfies resulting in an underestimate of population size. 4. Also, some damselfies may be harmed by the marking technique, reducing their survival and thus disturbing the result. 5. Some insects may die, few may get born, leave, or enter the population during the period of the study.