A survivorship curve is a graph that plots

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A survivorship curve plots the proportion of individuals of a given species that are alive at different ages. It shows the likelihood of survival, or the mortality rate, as a function of age. The curve typically follows one of three patterns, known as Type I, II, or III survivorship curves, which reflect different patterns of mortality over an individual's lifespan. Choice A is incorrect because survivorship curves do not directly plot an individual's likelihood of reproducing, although this may be indirectly related to survival. Choice C is incorrect because survivorship curves do not specifically address the effect of predation on a population, although this may be a factor affecting mortality rates. Choice D is incorrect because survivorship curves do not indicate carrying capacity or population growth directly, although changes in population size may be reflected in survivorship curves over time.

A Survivorship Curve Is a Graph That Plots