What are r selected species?

r-selected species are those that emphasize high growth rates, typically exploit less-crowded ecological niches, and produce many offspring, each of which has a relatively low probability of surviving to adulthood (i.e., high r, low K).

Then, what are examples of R selected species?

Typical examples of r-species are mice, rabbits, weeds and bacteria, which have a lot of offspring, but a short life expectancy.

Additionally, what is a K selected species? 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.

Keeping this in consideration, what is r selected and K selected species?

The two evolutionary "strategies" are termed r-selection, for those species that produce many "cheap" offspring and live in unstable environments and K-selection for those species that produce few "expensive" offspring and live in stable environments.

What does R Selected mean?

r selection selection occurring when a population is far below the carrying capacity of an unstable environment: tends to favor individuals that reproduce early, quickly, and in large numbers so as to make use of ephemeral resources and ensure that at least some offspring survive.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Is grass r selected?

R-selected species usually don't care for offspring, whereas k-selected species such as orangutans will provide care (orangutan offspring live with their mothers for up to eight years). Examples include rabbits, bacteria, salmon, plants such as weeds and grasses, etc. For example, ants can be considered r-selected.

Are insects R selected?

Unlike K-selected species, members of this group are capable of reproduction at a relatively young age; however, many offspring die before they reach reproductive age. Examples of r-selected species include pest organisms, such as rodents, insects, and weeds.

Are humans K or R selected?

1 Answer. r/K selections is a theory that organisms either survive by r the rate of reproduction or K the level of care provided to offspring. Humans fall into the K part of the theory.

Are plants r selected or K selected?

r-selection

r-selected species are those that emphasize high growth rates, typically exploit less-crowded ecological niches, and produce many offspring, each of which has a relatively low probability of surviving to adulthood (i.e., high r, low K). A typical r species is the dandelion (genus Taraxacum).

Are dandelions R selected?

R Selection

The best way to look at R-selected species is to use an example: the dandelion (genus: Taraxacum). Dandelions are relatively small, grow very rapidly, and have a short lifespan. They reach sexual maturity rapidly, produce a large number of seeds that can disperse long distances via wind, and then die.

Are frogs R selected?

Other examples of r-selected species include frogs, bacteria, and dandelions. R-selected species tend to produce a large number of offspring and include creatures such as frogs (eggs) or cockroaches. R-selected species produce so many offspring because it is not likely that many of them will survive.

Are cats K strategists?

Animals such as fish and frogs that lay hundreds of eggs at a time are R-strategists, animals such as humans, puffins and the majority of other organisms are K-strategists. The image shown shows a cat, an example of a organisms that produces few long living organisms.

What are three differences between a r selected species and k selected species?

Wilson (1967). The r selected species live in populations that are highly variable. The fittest individuals in these environments have many offspring and reproduce early. In K selected species, population size are often small, and therefore, individuals run a high risk of inbreeding.

What does R and K stand for?

"r" stands for "rate" {growth rate}, r strategists have a high r value and a low K value. They grow fast but most die. "K" stands for Kapazitätsgrenzen which is german for capacity limit, now called carrying capacity, K strategists have a low r and a high K. They grow slow but more survive.

Are dogs K strategists?

R-strategists, K-strategists and Survivorship curves: The reproductive adaptations of different organisms. Other organisms, like dogs, cats, insects, and fish show the complete opposite tendencies in reproduction. They breed once or twice in their lives, and have a huge number of offspring.

Are Wolves R selected or K selected?

Species using an r-selected reproductive strategy tend to have more offspring and invest less in them, a good example is the rabbit. K-selected species have less offspring but invest much more in them, such as the wolf. You can read up more on them, it's interesting stuff.

What is K selected population?

K selection

selection occurring when a population is at or near the carrying capacity of the environment, which is usually stable: tends to favor individuals that successfully compete for resources and produce few, slowly developing young, and results in a stable population of long-lived individuals.

Why are humans K selected species?

They produce, during their life spans, fewer progeny, but place a greater investment in each. Their reproductive strategy is to grow slowly, live close to the carrying capacity of their habitat and produce a few progeny each with a high probability of survival. Typical K-selected organisms are elephants, and humans.

What is the difference between R and K selective?

r-selection: On one extreme are the species that are highly r-selected. r is for reproduction. 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.

Why are elephants K selected species?

Few offspring that take a long time to develop ensure that the population doesn't grow too rapidly, exceed the carrying capacity, or outstrip the resources of the environment. Thus, the elephant is considered a K-selected species. Low offspring mortality. Relatively steady population size near the carrying capacity.

Are bees R or K strategists?

In this way honey bees can be classified as both r and K, as they produce extremely large amounts of offspring but also take care of the offspring, even if it isn't the mother directly responsible for the care. Cougars are an excellent example of an animal that relies on a K reproductive strategy.

Are most invasive species k selected or R selected species?

Biologists characterize most invasive species as r-selected. R-selected species produce an abundance of, as one University of Miami professor puts it, “cheap” offspring, whereas those species that practice the opposite reproductive strategy – K-selected species – produce fewer, more “expensive” offspring.