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Multiple Choice
A carp has many offspring at once, but the majority of them are eaten by predators in their first year of life. As carp develop & grow, they have fewer predators in later life. Which survivorship curve do carp exhibit?
A
Type I.
B
Type II.
C
Type III.
D
Impossible to tell.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of survivorship curves: Survivorship curves are graphical representations that show the number of individuals of a species that survive at each age. There are three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III.
Identify the characteristics of each type of survivorship curve: Type I curves show low mortality in early and middle life, with a high mortality rate in older age groups. Type II curves represent a constant mortality rate throughout the life span. Type III curves indicate high mortality in early life, with survivors living much longer.
Analyze the problem statement: The problem describes a situation where many offspring are produced, but most are eaten by predators in their first year, indicating high early mortality. As they grow, they have fewer predators, suggesting that those who survive the early stages live longer.
Match the problem description to the correct survivorship curve: The high mortality rate in the early stages of life, followed by a decrease in mortality as the organism ages, is characteristic of a Type III survivorship curve.
Conclude that carp exhibit a Type III survivorship curve, as the majority of offspring do not survive past the early stages, but those that do tend to live longer.