Multiple Choice
Herring gulls fiercely defend the areas around their nests in cliff-top breeding colonies. Within the colony they would show a __________ dispersion pattern.
50. Population Ecology
Introduction to Population Ecology
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An oak tree produces thousands of acorns, but very few grow into mature oak trees. The oak tree exhibits a __________ survivorship curve.
A
Type I
B
Type II
C
Type I or II
D
Type I or III
E
Type III
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of survivorship curves: Survivorship curves are graphical representations that show the number of individuals of a species that survive at each age. There are three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III.
Identify the characteristics of a Type III survivorship curve: Type III curves are characterized by high mortality rates at early life stages, with few individuals surviving to adulthood. This is common in species that produce many offspring but provide little parental care.
Relate the oak tree's reproductive strategy to the survivorship curve: Oak trees produce thousands of acorns, but only a few acorns survive to become mature trees. This high early mortality rate aligns with the characteristics of a Type III survivorship curve.
Eliminate other options: Type I curves are typical of species with low early mortality and high survival rates into old age, like humans. Type II curves show a constant mortality rate throughout life, which does not fit the oak tree's pattern.
Conclude that the oak tree exhibits a Type III survivorship curve, as it matches the pattern of high early mortality and low survival to maturity.
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