Final Answer:
The characteristic trait of an r-type life history strategy is high reproductive rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
An r-type life history strategy is characterized by high reproductive rates, short gestation periods, and minimal parental care. Organisms that exhibit this strategy typically produce a large number of offspring in a short period of time, with little investment in the survival and development of each individual.
This strategy is often observed in unstable or unpredictable environments where the chances of survival to reproductive age are low. The r in r-selection stands for the intrinsic rate of natural increase, which represents the maximum reproductive capacity of a species under ideal conditions.
This strategy is contrasted with K-selection, where organisms have fewer offspring but invest more resources in their survival and development.
The r-selected species prioritize quantity over quality when it comes to reproduction. They allocate minimal resources to each offspring, resulting in a high reproductive rate.
This strategy is advantageous in environments with high mortality rates and limited resources, as it increases the likelihood that some offspring will survive and reproduce. However, it also leads to intense competition among the offspring for limited resources, which can result in high mortality rates after birth.
In summary, the characteristic trait of an r-type life history strategy is the high reproductive rate, which allows for rapid population growth and adaptation to unpredictable or unstable environments.