Question

questions 1 through 3 refer to the following.
the graph below shows three different survivorship curves.

a certain species of dinosaur laid large numbers of eggs, and the hatchlings had high mortality early in life. but if they survived, the young dinosaurs were able to grow at a rapid pace and disperse into the environment in order to thrive. based on this information and the graph above, which of the following best characterizes this species of dinosaur?
a the dinosaurs were r-strategists and exhibited a type i survivorship curve.
b the dinosaurs were r-strategists and exhibited a type iii survivorship curve.
c the dinosaurs were k-strategists and exhibited a type ii survivorship curve.
d the dinosaurs were k-strategists and exhibited a type i survivorship curve.

Explanation:

• r - strategists:
• r - strategists produce a large number of offspring. In this case, the dinosaur laid large numbers of eggs, which is a characteristic of r - strategists.
• They have a high mortality rate early in life. The hatchlings had high mortality early in life, aligning with this trait.
• They grow and disperse rapidly. The young dinosaurs were able to grow at a rapid pace and disperse into the environment, which is also in line with r - strategist behavior.
• Type III survivorship curve:
• Type III curves are typical for organisms that have high early - life mortality. As the hatchlings had high early - life mortality, this species of dinosaur would likely exhibit a Type III curve.

Answer:

C. The dinosaurs were r - strategists and exhibited a Type III survivorship curve.