Virtual Mark-Recapture Lab: Tracking Grizzlies

Log in to the following website and read about how biotechnology is being
used to help determine the population of grizzly bears.

http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_29/BL_29.html
Keys for calculating populations:
N = number of individuals in a population
T = number of bears tagged in the first capture. These
bears are TAGGED
S = number of bears captured in the current capture
ST = Number of tagged or previously identified in the
current sample
N = (TxS1)/St1

As you continue past the second trapping you need to count the total #
that has been previously trapped (those trapped initially as well as the
ones trapped later)

FORMULA:
N = (# in current sample)(Total # marked) / # Marked in
current sample

DATA CHART 1:
Hair
Trappings

Initial
2
3

Hair
Samples (S)

Total #
Identified
(T)

Repeat
(ST)

Estimated
Pop
(N)

Read the lab description and the lab manual to complete the
questions.
Post-laboratory Questions:
1. The grizzly bear hair adhered to the traps by sticking to:
a. Glue
b. Velcro
c.Two-sided tape
d. Metal barbs
2. Which of the following is a proper base pair in DNA?
a. A-G
b. C-A
c.G-G
d. T-G
e. None of the above
3. DNA fingerprinting can be used on:
a. Plants
b. Bacteria
c.Igneous Rocks
d. A and B
e. All of the above
4. Which of the following represents the correct order of steps in DNA
fingerprinting?
a. DNA isolationrestriction enzyme digestiongel electrophoresis
b. Restriction enzyme digestiongel electrophoresisDNA isolation
c.DNA isolationgel electrophoresisrestriction enzyme digestion
d. None of the above
5. During gel electrophoresis, a positive charge is applied to:
a. The top of the gel
b. The bottom of the gel
c.It does not matter
6. In an electrophoretic gel:
a. DNA bands near the top of the gel are the smallest DNA fragments
b. DNA bands near the top of the gel are the largest DNA fragments
c.You cannot tell the size of a DNA fragment based upon looking at the
DNA bands

7. Grizzly bear populations in North America:

a. Have greatly risen in past years
b. Have been affected by habitat destruction
c.Have been affected by hunting practices
d. B and C
e. All of the above
8. Until recently, grizzly bear populations were estimated by using:
a. Analysis of scat
b. Analysis of skeletal remains
c.Analysis of tracks
d. None of the above
9. The DNA fingerprints obtained from the grizzly bears:
a. Identify weight of the bears
b. Identify sex of the bears
c.Identify age of the bears
d. B and C
e. All of the above
10. In this simplified DNA fingerprint diagram, which cub(s) could be
excluded from being the offspring of the adult female presented?

F= adult female
1,2,3= cubs
a. 1
b. 2
c.3
d. B and C
e. None of the above

1. DNA fingerprinting identifies individual bears and also allows for

determining the gender of the bear. What information does it not provide
that might be useful for deciding on conservation efforts?

2. Bear hair may also be collected from trees that the bears rub themselves
on or against. In a study using DNA fingerprinting of hair collected from rub
trees, it was found that the population in the area contained more male
bears than female bears. Explain this outcome.

3. What other problems might DNA fingerprinting of bear hair solve?

4. How could DNA fingerprinting technology be used to establish that a

highway cutting through grizzly bear habitat stops the bears from moving
from one side to the other? Explain your answer.

6. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of radiotelemetry and DNA

fingerprinting methods for obtaining wildlife population data.