Population Ecology

AP Biology· difficulty 3/5

Three species' survivorship curves are plotted on a semi-log scale: humans (Type I), squirrels (Type II), and oysters (Type III).

Age (% lifespan) log survivors I II III

Which life-history strategy matches species III?

  • A

    Many offspring with little parental care; high early mortality.

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  • B

    Few offspring with high investment; low juvenile mortality.

  • C

    Constant per-capita death rate at all ages.

  • D

    Mortality rate is highest in old age.

Explanation

Type III curves show steep early mortality with relatively constant survival in adults, typical of r-selected species (oysters, fish, many invertebrates).

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