Question

Polymorphic population can be estimated with:

• A. Quadrat method
• B. Absolute estimates
• C. Relative estimates
• D. Population indices

Hint:

Absolute estimates yield exact numbers per unit area (e.g., larvae per square meter).
Relative estimates yield comparative indices of population activity (e.g., moths per pheromone trap per night).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Insect populations with highly variable forms (polymorphic, such as different castes in social insects or different color morphs/wing morphs in aphids) are difficult to count directly via absolute methods.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To assess polymorphic or highly mobile pest populations, ecologists rely on relative estimates.
Relative estimates do not count the total density of the area but rather measure pest activity per unit effort (e.g., light trap catches, sticky trap catches, sweep net counts).
This allows comparisons between the frequencies of different polymorphic forms over time and space.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Polymorphic populations are estimated using relative estimates, which is option (C).