Giant clams synchronize their reproduction with the phases of the moon. During these reproductive bouts a single clam can release approximately 500 million eggs to be fertilized in the water column by sperm released from other clams. However, the population sizes of giant clams are very low because many of the fertilized eggs and larvae will be eaten by fish in the local area. What type of survivorship curve would you expect to see in giant clams?

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Type III survivorship curve, which is characterized by high mortality rates among young individuals and high survival rates for those that survive to adulthood, would be expected in giant clams because many of the fertilized eggs and larvae are eaten by fish. In this curve, most individuals die at a young age, but those who survive to adulthood have a high probability of living longer.

Giant Clams Synchronize Their Reproduction with the Phases of the Moon