During a recent hurricane, 25 individuals of the same butterfly species were blown onto a barrier island in southern Florida. In general, each female butterfly lays more than 50 eggs each year, but only a few individuals survive for more than a month after hatching from the eggs. What type of survivorship curve most accurately represents this species?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Type III survivorship curves are characterized by high mortality rates at the early stages of life, with a few individuals surviving to adulthood. The description of the butterfly species, where each female lays more than 50 eggs each year but only a few individuals survive for more than a month after hatching, fits the characteristics of a type III survivorship curve.

During a Recent Hurricane, 25 Individuals of the Same Butterfly