The figure below illustrates a life-history trade-off between survivorship and reproduction in red deer from the Isle of Rhum in northern Scotland. At what age is this trade-off minimized (i.e., at what age is the cost of reproduction LOWEST)?

Question

The figure below illustrates a life-history trade-off between survivorship and reproduction in red deer from the Isle of Rhum in northern Scotland.  At what age is this trade-off minimized (i.e., at what age is the cost of reproduction LOWEST)?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The trade-off between survivorship and reproduction is lowest at 8 years of age, where the survival rate is highest and the reproductive output is relatively high. At younger ages, individuals allocate more resources towards growth and survival, while at older ages, individuals invest more in reproduction at the cost of survival.

The Figure Below Illustrates a Life-History Trade-Off Between Survivorship and Reproduction