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The Sumatran rhino is:

a. Extremely r-selected
b. Midway between r-selected and K-selected
c. Extremely K-selected

User Knowleech
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Sumatran rhino is extremely K-selected, as it has traits such as fewer offspring, long lifespan, and high parental investment which are characteristic of K-selected species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sumatran rhino is an example of a K-selected species. K-selected species are characterized by having fewer offspring, longer gestation periods, and providing substantial parental care to their young. These traits contrast with r-selected species, which typically have many offspring, offer little to no parental care, and reproduce quickly to take advantage of unstable environments. The Sumatran rhino, much like elephants, reproduces slowly, has a long lifespan, mature late, and invests significant resources into raising each of its offspring, marking it as a K-selected species. Hence, the correct answer to the question would be "The Sumatran rhino is: c. Extremely K-selected".

User Arabam
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