Survivorship curve

Pronunciation
/SUR-viv-or-ship CURV/
Category
Ecology

Definition

A graphical representation of the survival rate of a population over time. It illustrates the proportion of individuals that survive from birth to death within a given period.

Etymology

From 'survival' and 'curve'.

Example

A type I survivorship curve is characteristic of organisms with low juvenile mortality.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Survivorship curves are categorized into different types based on the shape of the curve, reflecting the pattern of mortality within a population.