Question

A species that you are studying has a type III survivorship curve. Which one of the following describes this type of curve? A. Survivorship rates are lowest during early parts of its lifecycle B. Survivorship rates are lowest during the late parts of its lifecycle C. Survivorship rates are highest during early parts of its lifecycle D. Survivorship rates are consistent through the lifecycle E. Survivorship rates are highest in the early and middle parts of its lifecycle

Short answer

A. Survivorship rates are lowest during early parts of its lifecycle.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Type III Survivorship Curve

The type III survivorship curve characterizes species where most individuals die early in life. Only a few individuals reach adulthood and continue to survive. This type of curve typically looks like a steep drop at the start followed by a flattened curve.

- Evaluate the Options

Analyze each provided option to determine which one accurately describes the type III survivorship curve. Option A states that survivorship rates are lowest during early parts of its lifecycle. Option B states that survivorship rates are lowest during the late parts of its lifecycle. Option C states that survivorship rates are highest during early parts of its lifecycle. Option D states that survivorship rates are consistent throughout the lifecycle. Option E states that survivorship rates are highest in the early and middle parts of its lifecycle.

- Choose the Correct Option

Based on the understanding of a type III survivorship curve, the correct description should match with the highest mortality occurring early in the lifecycle. Therefore, the correct choice is Option A: Survivorship rates are lowest during early parts of its lifecycle.

Key concepts

survivorship rates

Survivorship rates refer to the percentage of an initial population that survives to different ages. They provide important insights into the biological and ecological characteristics of a species. For a type III survivorship curve, survivorship rates are extremely low during the early stages of life. This means that many offspring do not survive to adulthood. For example, in many fish species, thousands of eggs are laid, but only a small fraction grow into mature adults. This pattern is often a result of high predation rates or unfavorable environmental conditions.

Understanding survivorship rates helps us predict and manage wildlife populations. It informs conservation strategies, particularly for species with high early-life mortality. By identifying periods of high risk, efforts can be focused on interventions that boost survival rates at critical stages.

species lifecycles

A species lifecycle includes all stages from the birth of an individual to its death. This encompasses various phases such as birth, growth, reproduction, and death. In species with a type III survivorship curve, the lifecycle is characterized by a high birth rate and very high early mortality.

Take plants that produce large numbers of seeds, for instance. Many seeds do not germinate or establish due to predation or unsuitable conditions. Only a few seeds survive to maturity and contribute offspring to the next generation. This lifecycle strategy compensates for high early mortality by ensuring large numbers of offspring, increasing the chances that some will survive to adulthood.

Species lifecycles can vary greatly and are adapted to optimize survival and reproductive success in different environments. Recognizing these patterns is key in studying ecology and evolutionary biology.

population ecology

Population ecology studies the dynamics of species populations and how these populations interact with the environment. Factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration shape the structure of populations over time.

For species with a type III survivorship curve, understanding population ecology is crucial as these species exhibit high mortality rates among young individuals. Researchers look at how environmental pressures, availability of resources, and ecological interactions influence survival and reproduction.

Through population ecology, we can better understand the factors that regulate population sizes and growth rates. This knowledge is essential for managing wildlife populations, conserving endangered species, and predicting the impacts of environmental changes.

mortality patterns

Mortality patterns describe when and how members of a species die throughout their lives. These patterns can be influenced by genetics, environmental conditions, predation, disease, and other ecological factors.

In a type III survivorship curve, mortality is highest at the earliest stages of life. Many young individuals do not survive due to factors including predation, harsh environmental conditions, and competition for resources. Only a few individuals manage to grow into adulthood.

Mortality patterns are essential for understanding the dynamics of natural populations. They inform conservation strategies and help predict future population trends. By studying these patterns, ecologists can develop better approaches to safeguard species and maintain biodiversity.