Analyzing Species Count Variability

00:00 5 marks

An environmental scientist is studying a rare species in a forest reserve. Historically, the average number of sightings per day is 3. Assuming that the sightings follow a Poisson distribution, calculate the probability that exactly 5 sightings occur on a given day. Additionally, discuss one factor that could cause this Poisson model to be inaccurate in a real-world setting.

Hint Hint

Hint

Use the Poisson probability mass function: \(P(X=k)=\frac{e^{-\lambda}\lambda^k}{k!}\).

Answer Answer
Mark Scheme Mark Scheme
Explanation Explanation
Common Errors Common Errors
Real World Context Real World Context
Focus Focus
Formula Booklet

Answer Answer

Complete Answer

Approximately 0.1008; one possible factor is that environmental changes (e.g., weather conditions or human disturbances) could affect the independence and constancy of the average sighting rate.

Mark Scheme Mark Scheme

Answer Explanation Answer Explanation

Common Errors Common Errors

Focus Focus

Formula Booklet