Final answer:
Species that have many offspring at one time are usually r-strategists, which are adapted to unstable environments and produce many offspring with little parental investment. Iteroparous species have multiple reproductive events throughout their lives and can be either r-strategists or K-strategists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Species that have many offspring at one time are usually r-strategists. This reproductive strategy is associated with environments that are unstable and unpredictable, where the species adapt by producing large numbers of offspring with little parental investment. R-strategists, such as dandelions and jellyfish, are able to reproduce quickly to take advantage of brief opportunities for survival and passing on genes. On the other hand, K-strategists, such as elephants, are adapted to stable and predictable environments, produce fewer offspring, and invest significant resources in parental care to each offspring.
Iteroparity is a life history strategy characterized by multiple reproductive events during the lifetime of a species. For example, many mammals like primates reproduce multiple times over their lifespan, often with just a single or a few offspring at a time, indicating a high level of parental care. Therefore, iteroparous species can fall into either the r-strategy or K-strategy category based on their overall reproductive strategy.