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To estimate the population numbers of a species in a particular area we can carry out the capture/recapture technique. This involves spending some time in the area to be studied and capturing as many of the organisms to be investigated as you can, marking them and releasing them back into the wild. Sometime later, repeat the procedure and note how many marked and unmarked organisms of the species to be studied are found. A simple equation can then be used to calculate the estimated population size of the area. For example you may want to estimate the number of woodlice that can be found in a 2m² area of leaf litter.To do this enter the virtual garden and print the worksheet by clicking on the button at the bottom of the screen.In the virtual garden one minute is equivalent to one hour. When you see a woodlouse, click on it into your specimen jar.When the time is up record how many woodlice you found on your worksheet.