Would a species that lives a long time but has few offspring be more or less likely to become extinct after a sudden change in its environment than a species that has a short life but produces large n?

Answer 1

Yes and no; it depends on the species.

Species that have long lifespans and have only a few offspring:

-Medium or large mammals (This includes horses, elephants, humans, etc.)

Mammals that most often have only one or two young at a time (sometimes more) are able to adapt to change more rapidly because they are naturally adaptable. Humans, especially, are very capable of adapting to sudden changes in temperature and weather.

-Galapagos Tortoises take a very long time to reach sexual maturation, and do not reproduce often. Combined with this, the rapid deforestation and decreased biodiversity makes it harder for this endangered specie to increase its population. Their diminishing food supply and the invasion of humans in their natural habitat may lead to their extinction.

-Sea turtles, such as the Green and Leather-back, lay hundred of eggs at a time; still, sudden changes, such as a higher sea level that covers the nest (which could potentially kill the offspring by drowning them or preventing them from hatching) and towns and cities built near beaches (the street lights near beaches look like the moon- which is what draws them towards the ocean- to young sea turtles and so they may mistakingly crawl onto dangerous roads, where they are crushed by passing cars or are killed by stray animals).

Species with short lifespans but large numbers of offspring:

-Small to medium mammals such as rabbits, mice, rats, cats, dogs (wolves and foxes), etc. can adapt to changes fairly well, but a rapid change in their environment can still make it difficult for the species to survive if they lose a large portion of their habitat or their main source of food disappears or is scarce.