Are plants r-selected or K-selected?
For example, elephants are highly K-selected, whereas mice are much more r-selected. Among the fishes, most, like the salmon, are r-selected. Even plants are capable of r- and K-selected reproductive strategies.
What is an example of a K-selected species?
Elephants, humans, and bison are all k-selected species. These species often have short life expectancies, produce as many offspring as they can, and invest very low amounts of parental care. R-selected species can include mosquitos, mice, and bacteria.
Why are trees K-selected species?
In our forest example, the large trees (maple, ash, oak, and others) are K-selected. They live a long time, grow very slowly, and can get large enough to outcompete smaller species. Like the elephant, most birds and mammals develop slowly, care for only a few young over multiple births, and are strong competitors.
What are R and K strategists?
The r and K strategists are two types of organisms categories under the basis of r and K selection. r strategist is the organism living in unstable environments. On the contrary, K strategist lives in stable, predictable environments. Therefore, r strategist reproduces fast in order to ensure its survival.
What is the difference between K-selected and r-selected populations?
The r selected species live in populations that are highly variable. The fittest individuals in these environments have many offspring and reproduce early. K selected species live in populations that are at or near equilibrium conditions for long periods of time.
Are oak trees K-selected?
Oak trees produce many offspring that do not receive parental care, but are considered K-selected species based on longevity and late maturation.
What are K-selected organisms?
K-selected species are characterized by long gestation periods lasting several months, slow maturation (and thus extended parental care), and long life spans. Examples of K-selected species include birds, larger mammals (such as elephants, horses, and primates), and larger plants.
What is a K-selected organism?
Are sea turtles R or K-selected?
r/K selection as a continuous spectrum Similarly, reptiles such as sea turtles display both r- and K-traits: although large organisms with long lifespans (should they reach adulthood), they produce large numbers of unnurtured offspring.
What is K selection in biology?
K-selected species, also called K-strategist, species whose populations fluctuate at or near the carrying capacity (K) of the environment in which they reside. K-selected species are characterized by long gestation periods lasting several months, slow maturation (and thus extended parental care), and long life spans.
What is r selected vs K-selected?
The r selected species live in populations that are highly variable. The fittest individuals in these environments have many offspring and reproduce early. K selected species tend to have fewer offspring, so their populations cannot recover as fast from a disturbance such as over hunting or fire.