A species displaying which of the following survivorship curves is likely to produce the most offspring?

• A. Type I
• B. Type II
• C. Type III
• D. Type IV

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of survivorship curves: Survivorship curves are graphical representations that show the number of individuals of a species that survive at each age. There are three main types: Type I, Type II, and Type III.
2. Identify the characteristics of each survivorship curve: Type I curves are characterized by high survival rates of the young and most individuals living to old age (e.g., humans). Type II curves show a constant death rate over the organism's life span (e.g., birds). Type III curves have high mortality rates for the young, but those that survive the early period tend to live longer (e.g., many fish and plants).
3. Analyze the reproductive strategy associated with each curve: Species with a Type III survivorship curve tend to produce a large number of offspring because many of them will not survive to adulthood. This strategy increases the chances that some offspring will survive to reproduce.
4. Compare the reproductive output: Type I and Type II species typically invest more resources in fewer offspring, ensuring higher survival rates for each. In contrast, Type III species produce many offspring with less investment in each, expecting that only a few will survive.
5. Conclude which curve is associated with the highest offspring production: Based on the characteristics and reproductive strategies, species with a Type III survivorship curve are likely to produce the most offspring, as they compensate for high juvenile mortality with high reproductive output.