K-selected species

Definition

K-selected species are organisms that produce fewer offspring but invest significantly more time and resources into their care and survival. These species typically thrive in stable environments where competition for resources is intense, resulting in traits such as longer lifespans, slower development, and a higher degree of parental investment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. K-selected species often have complex life cycles and exhibit behaviors that enhance the survival of their young.
2. They are typically larger in size compared to R-selected species and have longer gestation periods.
3. Examples of K-selected species include elephants, humans, and many large mammals that live in stable habitats.
4. K-selected species tend to have lower reproductive rates, which means they can be more affected by environmental changes and habitat destruction.
5. These species play crucial roles in their ecosystems by maintaining population balance and influencing the community structure.

Review Questions

• How do K-selected species adapt their reproductive strategies to thrive in stable environments?
  • K-selected species adapt their reproductive strategies by producing fewer offspring but investing considerable time and resources into their care. This approach increases the chances of survival for each individual offspring, ensuring that they reach maturity in stable environments where resources are limited. As a result, these species develop traits like longer lifespans and delayed maturity, which help them succeed over time despite lower numbers.
• Compare the characteristics of K-selected species with R-selected species in terms of their ecological roles.
  • K-selected species are characterized by their investment in fewer offspring with high parental care, leading to stable populations in predictable environments. In contrast, R-selected species produce many offspring with little to no parental care, enabling rapid population growth in unstable environments. Both types play important ecological roles: K-selected species often help stabilize ecosystems by maintaining population balance, while R-selected species can quickly colonize new or disturbed areas.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental changes on K-selected species and their ecosystems compared to R-selected species.
  • Environmental changes can have significant impacts on K-selected species due to their lower reproductive rates and high investment in offspring. These species may struggle to adapt quickly to rapid changes such as habitat loss or climate shifts, leading to population declines. In contrast, R-selected species can rapidly increase their numbers in response to favorable conditions but may not provide the same ecosystem stability. The decline of K-selected species can disrupt community structures, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions that rely on their presence.

Related terms

R-selected species: Organisms that produce many offspring but provide little to no parental care, often thriving in unstable or unpredictable environments.

Carrying capacity: The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat.

Population dynamics: The study of how populations change over time, influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.