Final answer:
Species with many offspring are usually r-selected, which are adapted to unpredictable environments, in contrast to K-selected species that have fewer offspring and are adapted to stable environments.
Correct option is a) K-selected
Step-by-step explanation:
Species that have many offspring at one time are usually described as r-selected species. These are species that have adapted to environments where uncertainty and change are frequent, and thus they produce many offspring, each of which has a relatively low chance of survival to adulthood. Contrastingly, K-selected species typically produce fewer offspring, invest significantly more parental care, and are adapted to stable environments where populations grow until they reach the carrying capacity, K, of the environment.
A well-known example of r-selected species are dandelions and jellyfish, which mature early, live shorter lifespans, and produce a large number of offspring with no parental care. On the other hand, elephants and oak trees are recognized as K-selected species because they have long lifespans, mature late, and provide considerable parental care to their fewer offspring. The concept of r- and K-selection has historically been utilized in population biology research, although it has seen some reevaluation and modification over time due to its limitations.