Question

when conducting a population sampling study, on the very first capture attempt, what should be done to the captured individuals? they should be counted and removed permanently from the main population. they should be counted, tagged, and then released back into the main population. they should simply be counted then released. each one should be carefully weighed and released.

Explanation:

In population sampling using the capture - mark - recapture method, the first step is to count, tag, and release the captured individuals back into the population. This allows for later identification when recapturing to estimate population size. Tagging helps in distinguishing previously captured individuals from new ones in subsequent captures.

Answer:

They should be counted, tagged, and then released back into the main population.