This graph represents three different populations.Use it to answer the following questions.

-Which of the following choices matches this figure?
A)Dolphins produce only single offspring at a time and provide parental care for many months.
B)During "mating frenzies," male and female squid aggregate and release hundreds of eggs and sperm into the water column.The fertilized eggs are often quickly preyed on by fish.
C)The century plant grows for many years and reproduces and releases hundreds of seeds just once before it withers and dies.Because of the dry desert environment in which it lives,many of the seeds do not survive or are eaten.
D)In some species of lizards and rodents,survivorship is constant over the life span.

Question

This graph represents three different populations.Use it to answer the following questions.
 
-Which of the following choices matches this figure? 
A)Dolphins produce only single offspring at a time and provide parental care for many months. 
B)During "mating frenzies," male and female squid aggregate and release hundreds of eggs and sperm into the water column.The fertilized eggs are often quickly preyed on by fish. 
C)The century plant grows for many years and reproduces and releases hundreds of seeds just once before it withers and dies.Because of the dry desert environment in which it lives,many of the seeds do not survive or are eaten. 
D)In some species of lizards and rodents,survivorship is constant over the life span.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The graph shows a gradual increase in population size and a stable carrying capacity, which is characteristic of species with K-selected life history traits, such as dolphins that produce few, but well-cared-for offspring. Option B shows a rapid increase and fall in population size, which is more typical of species with r-selected life history traits, such as squids. Option C shows a single reproductive event followed by high mortality, which is close to K-selection but does not fit the shape of the graph. Option D is not supported by the graph, as survivorship appears to decline with age.

This Graph Represents Three Different Populations