Final answer:
Short-lived organisms adapt by reproducing rapidly while long-lived organisms adapt by evolving slowly. Short-lived organisms have a higher risk of extinction. Long-lived organisms are more stable but adapt more slowly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organisms with short lifespans may adapt to a changing ecosystem by reproducing more rapidly. This allows them to produce more offspring and increase their chances of survival. In contrast, organisms with long lifespans have the advantage of being able to evolve slowly over time. This slow evolution allows them to adapt to changes in the ecosystem gradually and ensure their long-term survival.
For example, short-lived organisms like insects such as mosquitoes have a high reproductive rate. They lay numerous eggs and produce many offspring in a short span of time. This strategy increases the chances of at least a few of their offspring surviving in changing environmental conditions. On the other hand, long-lived organisms like elephants have a slower reproductive rate and invest more in each individual offspring. This strategy allows them to ensure the survival and success of each offspring in a stable and predictable environment.
In summary, short-lived organisms reproduce rapidly while long-lived organisms evolve slowly. Short-lived organisms have a higher chance of extinction due to their shorter lifespan and higher turnover rate. Long-lived organisms, on the other hand, have the advantage of stability and slower adaptation to changing conditions in the ecosystem.