r-Selected vs. K-Selected Species

Many small offspring

r-Selected Species

Little to no parental care and protection of offspring

r-Selected Species

Early reproductive age

r-Selected Species

Most offspring will die before they reach the reproductive age

r-Selected Species

Small adults

r-Selected Species

Able to adapt to unstable conditions in climate and the environment

r-Selected Species

High population growth rate (r)

r-Selected Species

Population goes very high and low constantly relative to carrying capacity (K)

r-Selected Species

Generalist niche

r-Selected Species

Low ability to compete

r-Selected Species

Early successional species

r-Selected Species

Fewer, larger offspring

K-Selected Species

High parental care and protection of offspring

K-Selected Species

Late reproductive age

K-Selected Species

Most offspring will survive to reproductive age

K-Selected Species

Large adults

K-Selected Species

Adapted to stable climate and environmental conditions

K-Selected Species

Low population growth rate (r)

K-Selected Species

Population is stable and usually stays close to carrying capacity (K)

K-Selected Species

Specialist niche

K-Selected Species

Competitive

K-Selected Species

Late successional species

K-Selected Species