What Are K-selected Species?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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K-selected species possess relatively stable populations fluctuating near the carrying capacity of the environment. These species are characterized by having only a few offspring but investing high amounts of parental care.

Elephants, humans, and bison

are all k-selected species.

What are 5 characteristics of K-selected species?

Ans: The factors or characteristics of K selected species include

slow development, low reproductive rate, late reproductive age, large body size, multiple reproductive cycles, long lifespan, strong competitive ability, and low offspring mortality

.

Are Type 1 species K-selected?

Because time, energy and resources are invested into child rearing, K -selected species tend to have a Type 1 and Type 2 survivorship curve. Offspring live longer lives and grow slowly until their habitat hits the carrying capacity.

Are Lions R or K-selected?

Common examples of

k-

strategists species include humans, lions and whales.

Why is it called K-selected species?

K represents

the carrying capacity

, r represents the population growth rate, and selected refers to traits employed by the organism to optimize either the carrying capacity or population growth rate. Traits that ensure the population doesn’t exceed the carrying capacity are known as K-selected traits.

Are cats K-selected species?

Cats and dogs are r-selected compared to humans, but

K-selected compared to mice and rats

. Mice and rats, in turn, are K-selected compared to most insects. We can think of an r-K selection continuum and an organism’s position along it in a particular environment at a given instant in time (Pianka 1970).

Is an elephant K-selected species?

Elephants, humans, and bison are

all k-selected species

. On the other hand, r-selected species often inhabit unstable environments and are completely density independent. These species often have short life expectancies, produce as many offspring as they can, and invest very low amounts of parental care.

What is R vs K selection?


r-selected babies grow rapidly

, and tend to be found in less competitive, low quality environments. … K-selected species produce offspring that each have a higher probability of survival to maturity.

What are 3 characteristics of r-selected species?

  • Rapid development.
  • High reproductive rate.
  • Early reproductive age.
  • Small body size.
  • One reproductive cycle.
  • Short lifespan.
  • Poor competitive ability.
  • High mortality of offspring.

Why are elephants k-selected?

(a) Elephants are considered K-selected species

as they live long, mature late, and provide long-term parental care to few offspring

. Oak trees produce many offspring that do not receive parental care, but are considered K-selected species based on longevity and late maturation.

Are K-selected species generalists?

When environmental conditions change, generalists are able to adapt, but specialists tend to fall victim to extinction much more easily. K-Selected species are

species that have a low intrinsic growth rate

, which causes the population to increase slowly until it reaches the carrying capacity of the environment.

Why do K-selected species live longer?

K-strategists, on the other hand occupy more stable environments.

They are larger in size and have longer life expectancies

. They are stronger or are better protected and generally are more energy efficient. They produce, during their life spans, fewer progeny, but place a greater investment in each.

Are invasive species usually K-selected?

Biologists characterize most invasive species as r-selected. … While K-selected species

exhibit low mortality

, the majority of an r-selected species’ offspring are sure to perish; however, a few are likely to navigate the world successfully, mature and reproduce.

Are humans R or K strategists?

Both across and within species, r and K strategists differ in a suite of correlated characteristics.

Humans are the most K of all

. K’s supposedly have a longer gestation period, a higher birthweight, a more delayed sexual maturation, a lower sex drive, and a longer life.

Are turtles R or K-selected?

The

r/k selection

theory should be thought of as a spectrum. Some organisms may produce a medium number of offspring but those offspring still grow quickly and the parents provide little care. Sea turtles are a good example of a species that fits somewhere in the middle.

What are examples of r-selected species?

Examples of r-selected species include

pest organisms

, such as rodents, insects, and weeds.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.