Type III survivorship curve

Definition

Type III survivorship curve refers to a pattern characterized by high mortality rates early in life and higher chances of survival for those who reach adulthood.

Analogy

Imagine baby sea turtles hatching on the beach. Only very few will make it past predators and reach the ocean, but those who do have a higher chance of surviving to adulthood.

Related terms

Type I survivorship curve: Type I survivorship curve describes a pattern where most individuals survive until old age, with high mortality rates occurring later in life.

Type II survivorship curve: Type II survivorship curve refers to a pattern where the probability of survival remains relatively constant throughout an organism's lifespan.

Reproductive strategy: Reproductive strategy refers to the set of behaviors and traits an organism possesses to maximize its reproductive success, including timing and number of offspring.