On the feasibility of applying capture–recapture experiments for web evolution estimations

This paper proposes a novel application for estimating the size and evolution of web page populations, based on the capture–recapture methodology, which is mainly used in wildlife biological studies. Firstly, we present the necessary modifications and amendments needed for the web capture–recapture paradigm, and then we discuss the limitations confronted. The paper provides the implementation details of the proposed web capture recapture model along with its initial assessment. The anticipated outcome was to examine whether we can conduct capture–recapture experiments on the web (or a web sub-universe such as an Internet search engine directory), in order to further estimate evolution rates in web page populations.