What does a survivorship curve show in population ecology?

• A. The rate of population growth over time
• B. The genetic variation within a population
• C. The proportion of individuals surviving at each age for a given species or group
• D. The distribution of individuals across different habitats

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a survivorship curve: A survivorship curve is a graphical representation that shows the proportion of individuals surviving at each age for a given species or group. It is a key tool in population ecology to study life history patterns.
2. Recognize the three main types of survivorship curves: Type I (high survival rate in early and middle life, followed by a rapid decline in older age), Type II (constant survival rate throughout life), and Type III (low survival rate in early life, with higher survival rates for individuals who reach maturity).
3. Identify the purpose of a survivorship curve: It helps ecologists understand the survival strategies of species, such as reproductive strategies, mortality rates, and environmental pressures.
4. Differentiate survivorship curves from other population ecology concepts: Unlike the rate of population growth or genetic variation, survivorship curves focus specifically on survival patterns across different ages within a population.
5. Apply the knowledge: Use survivorship curves to analyze and compare species' life history traits, predict population dynamics, and assess the impact of environmental changes on survival rates.