SURVIVORSHIP CURVE

graphic representation of the number of individuals in a population that can be expected to survive to any specific age. There are three general types of curves. The first, characteristic of small mammals, fishes, and invertebrates, has a high death rate (or low survivorship rate) immediately following birth. The second type, illustrated by the large mammals, is the opposite. The organism tends to live a long life (low death rate and a high survivorship rate); toward the end of its life expectancy, however, there is a dramatic increase in the death rate. In the third type, found in birds and mice, the mortality or survivorship rate is relatively constant during the organism's entire life.