Survivorship curve — Science definition
A graph of how many individuals of a cohort survive over their lifespan, classed as Type I, II, or III.
Where it is taught
- Population Ecology — Ecology, Populations & Biodiversity, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Species also differ in their whole life strategy, and survivorship curves make the differences visible by plotting how many of a cohort remain alive across the lifespan.
Population Ecology
Questions using survivorship curve
Problem 1
A species that produces enormous numbers of offspring, most of which die young (a Type III survivorship curve), is typified by
- humans
- elephants
- oysters and many fish
- large mammals in general
Answer and explanation
oysters and many fish
Type III species produce many offspring with little parental care, so most die early — like oysters and many fish.