Question

select the correct answer.
what’s a disadvantage of the point count method of population monitoring?
a. it leads to the death of the sampled individuals.

b. it only records trends in population at fixed locations in the ecosystem.

c. it requires traversing through the ecosystem, which may be difficult in rugged terrain.

d. it’s only useful for monitoring organisms that are fixed in one place.

e. it requires capturing the animal for a brief period of time.

reset
next

Explanation:

The point count method involves observing and counting organisms from fixed points over a set time. Option A is incorrect as this method is non-lethal. Option B is a limitation but not the core disadvantage described here. Option C describes a challenge of transect sampling, not point counts. Option E refers to capture-recapture methods, not point counts. Option D is correct because point counts rely on detecting stationary or range-limited organisms; mobile species that move beyond the fixed point's detection range cannot be effectively monitored.

Answer:

D. It's only useful for monitoring organisms that are fixed in one place.