Which pattern of survivorship is most likely for an organism such as the sea urchin, which produces large numbers of very small offspring and provides no parental care?
A) Most offspring survive for most of their potential life span and then die at the same time.
B) The probability of death is low throughout the life span.
C) Survivorship is high early in life and declines slowly.
D) Young individuals have a high probability of dying, but older individuals have a relatively low probability of dying.
E) The probability of death is equally high throughout the potential life span.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sea urchins produce many small offspring with no parental care, leading to high mortality rates in early life stages, but those that survive tend to have a lower probability of dying as they age.

Which Pattern of Survivorship Is Most Likely for an Organism