K-Selected and R-Selected Species

K-Selected Species

• Focus on “quality”

• Have few babies and give them a lot of care.

• Reproduce less often

• Live longer and take a while to reach maturity

• More vulnerable to changes in the environment or invasive species.

R-selected Species

• Focus on “quantity”

• Have many babies w/ little or no care.

• Often reproduce many times in their lives

• Have short lifespans and grow up quickly, so their populations can increase fast.

• More likely to become invasive and do well in quickly changing environments.

Invasive and disturbances

K-Selected Species Disturbances

• Have a low reproductive rate, Difficulty bouncing back after changes in the environment.

• High parental care means if a parent dies, the offspring are also at risk.

• Invasive species can out compete them for resources

• Less able to adapt, making them more likely to go extinct.

R-Selected Species Disturbances

• Have a high reproductive rate, quick recovery after disturbances.

• Provide little parental care, so if a parent dies, the offspring can still survive.

• Can grow quickly, less affected by invasive species.

• More likely to become invasive themselves.

• Larger populations and faster growth mean they adapt better and are less likely to go extinct.