Year to year variability in survivorship for common dogmustard (Erucastrum gallicum), a summer annual

This figure shows survivorship curves for spring cohorts of the summer annual plant common dogmustard (Erucastrum gallicum; Brassicaceae) growing in the Jamesville Quarry, Syracuse, NY. It shows how survivorship varies markedly from year to year, due mainly to variability in rainfall. Survivorship approximated a Deevey Type I function in 1976, a year with abundant rain. Survivorship followed a Type III pattern in 1977 due to heavy seedling mortality during a spring drought. Survivorship resembled a Type II pattern in 1978 - a year with alternating periods of drought and abundant rain.