Question

multiple choice 2 points
why does a type iii survivorship curve show a steep decline early in life?
long gestation periods reduce offspring survival
competition is limited
parental care is extensive
many offspring are produced, but few survive to adulthood

Explanation:

Type III survivorship curves are characteristic of species that produce a large number of offspring but provide little or no parental care. This leads to high mortality among the young (hence the steep decline early in life), with only a few individuals surviving to adulthood. Long gestation periods (if they existed) would likely do the opposite (more investment in fewer offspring), limited competition would not cause high early - life mortality, and extensive parental care is associated with Type I curves (low early - life mortality).

Answer:

Many offspring are produced, but few survive to adulthood