Question

Which one of the following measuring techniques would best enable you to determine the distribution pattern of a population of zebra? A. Track how many and which individuals use a central watering hole B. Use a drone to capture aerial photographs of their habitat range C. Employ a camera trap in the middle of their habitat D. Use the mark-recapture method E. Collect and analyze DNA from hair samples collected at 2 locations

Short answer

Option B: Use a drone to capture aerial photographs of their habitat range.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Objective

The goal is to determine the distribution pattern of a population of zebra. This involves understanding how the zebras are spread out over a geographic area.

Analyze Option A

Track how many and which individuals use a central watering hole. This method might give information on the zebras that visit a specific location, but it won't provide a complete picture of their distribution over a broader area.

Analyze Option B

Use a drone to capture aerial photographs of their habitat range. This method allows for a broad, unobtrusive view of the entire habitat range, providing comprehensive data on where zebras are located.

Analyze Option C

Employ a camera trap in the middle of their habitat. While a camera trap provides information about zebras passing through a specific area, it doesn't cover the entire distribution range of the population.

Analyze Option D

Use the mark-recapture method. This method involves capturing zebras, marking them, and then recapturing to estimate population size. It's useful for population size estimation but less effective for determining distribution patterns.

Analyze Option E

Collect and analyze DNA from hair samples collected at 2 locations. This method might give genetic diversity information but is limited because it only collects data from two locations.

Select the Best Option

Considering all options, using a drone to capture aerial photographs (Option B) will best enable the determination of the distribution pattern over a large habitat range comprehensively.

Key concepts

aerial photography for wildlife

Aerial photography is an efficient way to observe and analyze the distribution patterns of wildlife populations. This method involves using drones or aircraft to take photographs from above. Drones are especially useful because they can cover large areas quickly and provide high-resolution images. This method is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't disturb the animals.
Using aerial photography, researchers can see the exact locations where animals like zebras are found. This allows scientists to map out their habitat range and identify patterns like migration routes or preferred grazing areas.
Aerial photography is valuable for open environments like savannas, where large animals are visible from above.

mark-recapture method

The mark-recapture method is widely used in ecology to estimate animal population sizes. Researchers capture a number of individuals from a population, mark them with tags or other identifiers, and then release them back into the wild.
After some time, another sample is captured, and the number of marked individuals in this second sample is counted. This data can be used to estimate the total population size using formulas.
However, this method is less effective for determining distribution patterns because it only provides an estimate of the population size rather than indicating where individuals are located.

camera traps in ecological research

Camera traps are automated cameras set up in the wild to capture images or videos of animals as they pass by. These devices are triggered by motion or heat sensors.
Camera traps are useful for studying animal behavior, identifying species present in an area, and monitoring activity patterns. However, they are limited to specific locations where they are set up.
While helpful for certain research questions, camera traps may not provide a comprehensive view of a population's distribution. They are more suited for understanding behavior and presence in specific spots rather than mapping out large areas.

DNA analysis in population studies

DNA analysis involves collecting genetic material from animals, such as hair, feces, or tissue samples. This method provides information on genetic diversity, relatedness, and population structure.
By comparing DNA samples from different locations, scientists can infer movement patterns and gene flow between populations.
However, DNA analysis is often limited to genetic studies and does not directly show the distribution of animals across a landscape. It complements other methods by providing deeper insights into genetic connections and diversity.

wildlife tracking techniques

Wildlife tracking techniques involve various methods to monitor the movement and behavior of animals. This can include GPS collars, radio telemetry, and satellite tracking.
GPS collars are placed on animals to provide real-time data on their locations, allowing scientists to track their movements over time.
Radio telemetry requires tracking devices that communicate with radio receivers to locate animals.
These techniques are highly effective for studying individual movement patterns and home ranges but can be resource-intensive.
Combined with other methods, wildlife tracking provides a detailed understanding of animal distribution and behavior across landscapes.