Description

which possible description best matches this figure ?

**Which Possible Description Best Matches This Figure?**

When it comes to describing figures or diagrams in biology, particularly in the context of population ecology, it’s essential to carefully analyze the options provided. In this case, the question asks: **”Which possible description best matches this figure?”** The figure in question is likely related to survivorship curves or population dynamics. Let’s break down the options and determine which one fits best.

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### Understanding the Figure

The figure is likely a survivorship curve, which shows the pattern of survival in a population over time. There are three main types of survivorship curves:

1. **Type I (Low Mortality in Early and Middle Life):** Individuals have a high survival rate in early and middle life, with most deaths occurring at older ages. Humans and many large mammals (like elephants and dolphins) typically exhibit this type of survivorship curve.

2. **Type II (Constant Mortality):** Individuals have a relatively constant mortality rate throughout their lives. This is common in many bird and some mammal species.

3. **Type III (High Mortality in Early Life):** Most mortality occurs in the early stages of life, with much higher survival rates in later life. This is typical of species with large numbers of offspring, such as fish, amphibians, and some plants.

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### Analyzing the Options

The question provides several possible descriptions, and we need to match the figure to the most appropriate one. Let’s examine the options:

#### **Option A: Dolphins**
– “Dolphins produce only single offspring at a time and provide parental care for many months.”
– Dolphins are long-lived, social animals with low mortality rates in early and middle life. This aligns with a **Type I survivorship curve**.

#### **Option B: Squid**
– “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.”
– Squid have high mortality rates in their early life stages, with many eggs being eaten by predators. This aligns with a **Type III survivorship curve**.

#### **Option C: The Century Plant**
– “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.”
– The century plant (Agave americana) has a long life span but produces many seeds in a single reproductive event. This is characteristic of a **Type III survivorship curve**, as most mortality occurs in the early stages of life (e.g., seeds being eaten or not germinating).

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### Which Description Matches the Figure?

If the figure is a survivorship curve, the description must match the type of curve shown. Based on the options provided:

– If the figure shows a **Type I survivorship curve**, the correct description would be **Option A: Dolphins**.
– If the figure shows a **Type III survivorship curve**, the correct description would be either **Option B: Squid** or **Option C: The Century Plant**.

Given the information in the links, the figure likely shows a **Type III survivorship curve**, as the century plant’s life history and reproductive strategy are a classic example of this type of curve.

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### Why the Century Plant Fits the Figure

The century plant’s life history is a textbook example of a Type III survivorship curve. It invests heavily in reproduction, producing hundreds of seeds, but most of these seeds do not survive to maturity. This is a common strategy in environments where resources are scarce, such as deserts. By producing many offspring, the plant increases the chances that at least a few will survive to reproduce in the next generation.

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### Conclusion

When analyzing figures in biology, it’s crucial to understand the concepts being represented, such as survivorship curves, and match them to the correct descriptions. In this case, the figure likely depicts a **Type III survivorship curve**, and the description that best matches it is **Option C: The Century Plant**. This example highlights the importance of reproductive strategies in shaping population dynamics in different environments.