All Flashcards
What are survivorship curves?
Graphs showing the proportion of individuals likely to survive to different ages.
Define mortality pattern.
The age-specific probability of death within a population.
Define K-selected species.
Species with few offspring, high parental care, and long lifespans.
Define r-selected species.
Species with many offspring, little parental care, and short lifespans.
Define Type I survivorship curve.
High survival until old age, then a sharp mortality increase.
Define Type II survivorship curve.
Constant death rate throughout the lifespan.
Define Type III survivorship curve.
High mortality early in life, with few surviving to old age.
What is age-specific survival?
How survival rates change as individuals age.
What is parental care?
Investment by parents to increase offspring survival.
Define population dynamics.
How populations change in size and composition over time.
What is the effect of high parental care on survivorship?
Increased survival rates, especially in early life stages.
What is the effect of habitat loss on survivorship?
Decreased survival rates, especially if it impacts breeding or feeding grounds.
What is the effect of being an r-selected species on survivorship?
High mortality rates early in life, with few individuals surviving to old age (Type III).
What is the effect of being a K-selected species on survivorship?
High survival rates until old age, followed by a rapid decline (Type I).
What is the effect of predation on survivorship?
Decreased survival rates, especially for vulnerable life stages.
What is the effect of climate change on survivorship?
Can alter habitat conditions, food availability, and breeding success, affecting survivorship differently for various species.
What is the effect of disease outbreaks on survivorship?
Can cause significant mortality, particularly in dense populations or those with weakened immune systems.
What is the effect of hunting on survivorship?
Can reduce population size and alter age structure, impacting overall survivorship.
What is the effect of pollution on survivorship?
Exposure to toxins can reduce survival rates, especially in sensitive species or life stages.
What is the effect of competition on survivorship?
Increased competition for resources can reduce survival rates, particularly for weaker individuals or species.
What does a survivorship curve illustrate?
Mortality patterns and age-specific survival of a species.
How does parental care affect survivorship curves?
High parental care often leads to Type I curves, while low/no care leads to Type III.
What is the relationship between K-selected species and Type I curves?
K-selected species typically exhibit Type I survivorship curves.
What is the relationship between r-selected species and Type III curves?
r-selected species typically exhibit Type III survivorship curves.
What does a flat survivorship curve indicate?
High survival rates across most of the lifespan.
What does a steep drop in a survivorship curve indicate?
High mortality rates during that life stage.
How do survivorship curves relate to reproductive strategies?
They reflect the trade-off between number of offspring and parental investment.
What does a Type II survivorship curve indicate about mortality?
A constant death rate, regardless of age.
How are survivorship curves used in conservation?
To identify vulnerable life stages and inform protection efforts.
How are survivorship curves used in wildlife management?
To understand how mortality rates are affected by factors like hunting or habitat loss.