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? the dinosaurs were r - strategists and exhibited a type i survivorship curve. the dinosaurs were r - strategists and exhibited a type iii survivorship curve the dinosaurs were k - strategists and exhibited a type ii survivorship curve. the dinosaurs were k - strategists and exhibited a type i survivorship curve

Explanation:

• r - strategists vs K - strategists:
• r - strategists produce a large number of offspring. They have high early - life mortality but if the offspring survive, they can grow and disperse. K - strategists produce few offspring, invest a lot in parental care, and have low early - life mortality. Since the dinosaur laid large numbers of eggs with high early - life mortality (a characteristic of r - strategists), we can rule out options C and D (which mention K - strategists).
• Survivorship curves:
• Type I survivorship curves have low early - life mortality and high survival until old age (e.g., humans). Type II curves have a relatively constant mortality rate throughout life (e.g., some birds). Type III curves have high early - life mortality and low mortality for those that survive to a certain age (e.g., many fish, plants). Given the high early - life mortality of the dinosaur hatchlings, it should exhibit a Type III survivorship curve.

Answer:

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