The problem described is a typical capture-recapture estimation method to determine the total population of seals. Here's the process to estimate the total number of seals using the given information:

Given:

• 35 seals were initially tagged.
• In a later sample, 14% of the seals had tags.

Let's assume the total population of seals is $N$.

Using the capture-recapture formula:

$\frac{\text{Number of tagged seals}}{\text{Total population}} = \frac{\text{Percentage of tagged seals in sample}}{100}$

We know:

• Tagged seals = 35.
• Percentage of tagged seals in the sample = 14%.

Thus, the formula becomes:

$\frac{35}{N} = \frac{14}{100}$

Now, solving for $N$:

$N = \frac{35 \times 100}{14}$

Let me calculate that for you.The estimated total number of seals in the area is 250.

Do you want any further details or have additional questions?

Here are some related questions to expand on this topic:

1. How would the estimate change if the percentage of tagged seals in the sample was 10%?
2. What assumptions are made in the capture-recapture method for population estimation?
3. How can we increase the accuracy of the population estimate using this method?
4. What is the mathematical explanation behind the capture-recapture technique?
5. How would the estimate differ if a larger number of seals were tagged initially?

Tip: When applying the capture-recapture method, ensure that the tagged animals mix evenly with the untagged population between samplings.