Correct option is C
Explanation-
Type III survivorship curve is characterized by:
1. High mortality in early life stages
2. Very large number of offspring
3. A few individuals survive to adulthood and reproduce
This curve is typical for:
1. Invasive insect pests
2. Fish, amphibians, plants, and other r-strategists
Invasive insect pest species lay thousands of eggs, most of which die early, but enough survive to reproduce and spread rapidly, fitting the Type III curve.
Incorrect options -
Option A - "Invasive insect pest species do not follow specific survivorship curves" — This is incorrect. While variability exists, most follow Type III.
Option B - Type II – Characterized by constant death rate across all ages (e.g., rodents, birds). Not typical of insects.
Option D - Type I – Seen in species with low early mortality and high survival till old age (e.g., humans, elephants). Again, not typical of insect pests.
So, the correct answer is option C -Type III
