Question

Sperm whales, a(n) species, maintain their populations close to carrying capacity.

r-selected

k-selected

Answer 1

Sperm whales are k-selected species. Their reproduction rates are slower because they have longer gestation periods (like elephants or humans). 

Answer 2

Sperm whales, a K SELECTED species, maintain their population close to carrying capacity.
K selected species are those species, whose population fluctuate at or near the carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of a specie refers to the maximum population size of a specie, which the environment can sustain indefinitely. K selected species have stable population and they usually reproduce low number of offspring.