Question

scientists put marks on 60 white - tailed deer as part of a study to estimate the white - tailed deer population in a local park. after a month, scientists flew over the park and counted 200 white - tailed deer, of which 12 were marked. what is the best estimate for the white - tailed deer population in the local park? a 800 white - tailed deer b 1,200 white - tailed deer c 600 white - tailed deer d 1,000 white - tailed deer

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion equation

Let $N$ = total population. The ratio of marked deer in the sample equals the ratio of marked deer to total population:
$$\frac{12}{200} = \frac{60}{N}$$

Step2: Cross-multiply to solve for $N$

$$12N = 60 \times 200$$
$$12N = 12000$$

Step3: Isolate $N$

$$N = \frac{12000}{12} = 1000$$

Answer:

D. 1,000 white-tailed deer