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.
Are Lions K-strategists?
Common examples of k-strategists species include humans, lions and whales.
Are Jellyfish K strategists?
Jellyfish demonstrate k strategy
What are examples of r-selected species?
Examples of r-selected species include pest organisms , such as rodents, insects, and weeds.
Are sea turtles K selected?
It's also important to note that not all K-selected species will have all the traits. Sea turtles, for example, have long lifespans and slow development but produce and abandon many offspring, of which few survive. In general, if a species demonstrates most of the traits, it can be classified as K-selected .
Are dogs K strategists?
Indeed, one can think of a given organism as an “r-strategist” or a “K-strategist” only relative to some other organism; thus statements about r and K selection are invariably comparative. Cats and dogs are r-selected compared to humans , but K-selected compared to mice and rats.
What does the K in K-selected species stand for?
K-selection: On the other extreme are species that are highly K-selected. K refers to the carrying capacity , and means that the babies are entering a competitive world, in a population at or near its carrying capacity. ... K-selected species produce offspring that each have a higher probability of survival to maturity.
Is a whooping crane R or K-selected?
Not much is known about the learning that takes place in this K-selected species over the almost one year that the young whooping crane colt remains with its adult parents.
Are bacteria r-selected?
Examples include rabbits, bacteria, salmon, plants such as weeds and grasses, etc. Many insects are r-selected. For example, ants can be considered r-selected. Plants such as dandelions are another good example of an r-selected species.
Why are rabbits r-selected?
So this begs the question are rabbits truly prolific, and why? In Page 2 the 1960s two ecologists came up with r/K selection theory. It relates to parental investment and reproductive strategies adopted by species in order to advance its kind into the future. ... And they have the ability to reproduce rapidly .
What is a K strategist?
K-selected species, also called K-strategist, species whose populations fluctuate at or near the carrying capacity (K) of the environment in which they reside . ... K-selected species are characterized by long gestation periods lasting several months, slow maturation (and thus extended parental care), and long life spans.
Are kangaroos K strategists?
While many of the “K” strategists tend to be large animals, and many of the “r” strategists smaller animals, there are notable exceptions among both. ... In Australian marsupials, the kangaroos and wallabies serve as an excellent example of how the environment can help shape an animal's reproductive strategy.
What species are both R and K-selected?
Oak trees produce many offspring that do not receive parental care, but are considered K-selected species based on longevity and late maturation. (b) Dandelions and jellyfish are both considered r-selected species as they mature early, have short lifespans, and produce many offspring that receive no parental care.
Are K strategists density dependent?
K-strategist populations are more commonly regulated by density-dependent limiting factors . Their population sizes hover around a carrying capacity that is dependent on factors that increase in severity with the density of the population.
What is the difference between r strategists and K strategists?
The key difference between r strategist and K strategist is that the r strategist lives in unstable and unpredictable environments while the K strategist lives in more stable environment . Because of this environmental conditions, the r strategists produce many offspring while the K strategists produce few offsprings.
Why are endangered species K-selected?
Endangered species are likely to be K-selected species because they produce fewer offspring and breed less frequently . They also have a later reproductive age and a low population growth rate.
