Question

select the correct graph
whale calves have a high survival rate, with most calves reaching adulthood. however, their aquatic ecosystem contains a limited amount of resources, so uncontrolled exponential growth isnt possible. identify the graph that represents the survivorship pattern of whales.
(three graphs with x-axis as age and y-axis as probability of survival are shown)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the survival pattern

Whale calves have high survival (so early age survival probability is high), most reach adulthood (survival stays high for a period), then limited resources cause survival to drop later.

Step2: Evaluate each graph

• Top graph: Low early survival, high late – incorrect.
• Middle graph: High early survival, stable then drops – matches (calves survive, adults then resource limit hits).
• Bottom graph: Steady decline – incorrect (no high survival period).

Answer:

The Middle Graph