R and K Selected Organisms Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are R-selected and K-selected organisms?
Two types of species classified based on their reproductive strategies and survival tactics
What type of environment do R-selected organisms live in?
Unstable environments
Have a low success rate in surviving adults
Do R-selected organisms mature rapidly or slowly?
Rapidly
How long do R-selected organisms typically live for?
A short term
Most die before they reproduce
How many offspring do R-selected organisms have?
Many
Tend to overproduce
High fecundity rate
What kind of parenteral strategies do R-selected organisms use?
No parental investment
What is the dispersal rate of R-selected organisms?
High
Opportunistic
Tend to invade new areas
What are some examples of R-selected organisms?
Mice
Jellyfish
Why are mice R-selected organisms?
Have short lifespans and frequent reproduction cycles
Why are jellyfish R-selected organisms?
Produce large numbers of offspring with minimal parental care
What type of environment do K-selected organisms live in?
Stable environments
Have a high success rate in surviving adults
Do K-selected organisms mature rapidly or slowly?
Slowly
How long do K-selected organisms typically live for?
A long term
Low juvenile mortality rate
How many offspring do K-selected organisms have?
Few offspring at a time
Low fecundity rate
What kind of parenteral strategies do K-selected organisms use?
Intensive parental care
What is the dispersal rate of K-selected organisms?
Low
Don’t tend to leave the environment in which they are born in
What are some examples of K-selected organisms?
Elephants
Whales
Why are elephants K-selected organisms?
Long gestation periods and extensive parental care
Why are whales K-selected organisms?
Give birth to a single calf every few years, ensuring survival
