What life history strategy characterizes the White Sturgeon's approach to reproduction?
Longevity and slow maturation, investing less energy in rapid reproduction
The evolutionary strategy adopted by the White Sturgeon is characterized by extreme longevity, with individuals often living for over 100 years, coupled with a very slow rate of sexual maturation. Females typically do not reach reproductive age until they are 15 to 20 years old, or sometimes older. This pattern is a trade-off common in species whose survival is secured by other means, such as heavy armoring (scutes) or occupying a stable niche; they invest resources into surviving many decades rather than prioritizing rapid, frequent reproduction. This slow pace, while successful over geological time, creates a severe vulnerability when rapid environmental changes occur.
