A marine biologist wants to estimate the number of blue crabs in a bay that are infected with a specific parasite. The biologist captures a random sample of blue crabs from the bay, finds that of the crabs are infected, and then releases them. Based on this sample, if there is a total population of blue crabs in the bay, what is the best estimate of the total number of blue crabs infected with the parasite?
Answer: 720
Answer
The best estimate of the total number of blue crabs infected with the parasite is 720.
The correct answer is found by establishing the sample proportion of infected crabs, which is 15 out of 250, or 6%. Multiplying this rate by the total estimated population of 12,000 crabs yields 720.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Generalizing a sample proportion to estimate a population parameter.