14.3

1. A shoreline mussel species has a population density of one organism per square meter. Will all mussels be found one meter apart? Explain.

No, population density simply describes the number of individuals per unit area, not the dispersion pattern.

3. How do survivorship curves show three types of reproductive strategies?

Survivorship curves help to describe the reproductive strategy of a species. If the curve shows a low level of infant mortality, the parents probably care for their young. If it shows a very high level, the organisms likely have a high birth rate and provide little or no parental care.

2. Draw and label a diagram showing the three population dispersion patterns.

Three dispersion diagrams: clumped, uniform and random.

4. What might be the advantages of having a clumped dispersal pattern?

less chance of being eaten, easier to hunt