Final answer:
The characteristic not typical of r-strategists is 'large body size and tolerant of challenging environments'. r-strategists are adapted to unstable environments and produce many small offspring with little parental care, unlike K-strategists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of r-strategists
A characteristic that is not typical of r-strategists is b. large body size and tolerant of challenging environments. r-strategists typically possess traits such as good dispersal, fast growth, and small-sized offspring, like seeds in the case of plants. r-strategists are adapted to unstable and unpredictable environments where they produce a large number of offspring with the expectation that only a few will survive. This strategy contrasts with K-strategists, which tend to have fewer, larger offspring with more parental investment and are adapted to stable environments where they can grow close to the carrying capacity.
r-strategists like dandelions have small seeds that can be dispersed over long distances by wind. Many seeds are produced at one time to increase the likelihood that some will land in hospitable environments. However, these seeds are low in energy content which makes survival of the offspring hit or miss. This strategy is efficient for species living in environments where the odds of offspring survival are uncertain. The statement 'large body size and tolerant of challenging environments' is more characteristic of K-selected species, like elephants, which produce fewer but larger offspring and provide them with considerable parental care.