QUESTION 44 (5 marks)
Two hypothetical plants have the life-history characteristics shown.
a) Identify the plant more consistent with an r-selected strategy and justify with two characteristics. [3 marks]
b) Explain why plant V may establish quickly after a disturbance that exposes bare soil. [2 marks]
Practice marking scheme
Answer
a) V; many seeds and early reproduction. b) Numerous readily dispersed seeds and rapid reproduction allow quick establishment.
Working
V produces many small seeds and reaches maturity within two months. These are consistent with an r-selected strategy. Its seeds can reach new patches and its short generation time allows population numbers to increase rapidly when resources become available. W instead has fewer large seeds, delayed reproduction and a long lifespan, features more consistent with K-selection. These strategies are tendencies rather than rigid categories.
Marking criteria
- Identifies V. [1 mark]
- Uses its high seed number as supporting evidence. [1 mark]
- Uses its early maturity or short lifespan as supporting evidence. [1 mark]
- Links numerous/dispersible seeds to colonisation. [1 mark]
- Links rapid maturity/reproduction to rapid establishment. [1 mark]
Practice question aligned to the current QCAA syllabus; review the worked solution and marking criteria.
View the QCAA syllabusCompare your working with the guide above.