3.2 reproductive strategies (k-selected/r-selected)

what is the ‘k’ in ‘k-selected species?’

carrying capacity

what is the ‘r’ in ‘r-selected species?’

intrinsic growth rate

what is the ‘k’ in ‘k-selected species?’

carrying capacity

what is the ‘r’ in ‘r-selected species?’

intrinsic growth rate

r-selected species lifespan

short

k-selected species lifespan

long

r-selected species growth rate

rapid

k-selected species growth rate

slow

r-selected species mortality

early

k-selected species mortality

late

r-selected species offspring

many, small

k-selected species offspring

few, large

r-selected species - parental care or none?

none

k-selected species - parental care or none?

significant

r-selected species role in succession

pioneer species

k-selected species role in succession

climax community

r-selected species - generalist or specialist?

generalists

k-selected species - generalist or specialist?

specialists

r-selected species - lower or higher trophic levels?

lower

k- selected species - lower of higher trophic levels?

higher

r-selected species examples

• insects

• small fish

• grass

k-selected species examples

• elephants

• dogs

• humans