General Ecology - Exam 1 Study (R-selected vs K-selected)

R-selected Reproductive trait

High

R-selected offspring

many, small

R-selected parental investment

little

R-selected juvenile mortality

high

R-selected lifespan

short

R-selected development

fast

R-selected maturity

Early

R-selected environment

Unstable/unpredictable

R-selected Competition

Weaker competitor; rely in fast reproduction

R-selected Population dynamics

Boom and bust; rarely stays near K

R-selected Growth curve

exponential/ J-shaped when conditions allow

R-selected examples

insects, mice, weeds, bacteria

K-selected reproductive rate

low

K-selected offspring

few, large

K-selected parental investment

high

K-selected juvenile mortality

low

K-selected lifespan

long

K-selected development

slow

K-selected maturity

late

K-selected environment

stable/predictable

K-selected competition

strong competitor

K-selected population dynamics

more stable; typically near K

K-selected growth curve:

Logistic/S-shaped, levels near K

K-selected examples

Elephants, humans, whales, oak trees