Question

Identify differences between K- and r-selected species.

K-selected species tend to be large, have few offspring per reproduction event, live in stable environments, expend significant energy for each offspring, mature after many years of extended youth and parental care, have long life spans/life expectancy, and reproduce more than once in their lifetime. Competition for resources in K-selected species' habitats is usually relatively high.
r-selected species tend to be small, have many offspring, expend or invest minimal energy for each offspring, mature early, have short life spans, and may reproduce only once in their lifetime. Competition for resources in r-selected species' habitats is typically relatively low.
Biotic potential refers to the maximum reproductive rate of a population in ideal conditions.
Many species have reproductive strategies that are not uniquely r-selected or K-selected, or they change in different conditions at different times.
K-selected species are typically more adversely affected by invasive species than r-selected species, which are minimally affected by invasive species. Most invasive species are r-selected species.

Answer 1

K-selected species, like elephants and oak trees, have fewer offspring which they invest heavily in, while r-selected species, such as jellyfish and dandelions, produce many offspring with minimal investment. These strategies represent a continuum where species may exhibit a mix of traits or shift strategies depending on the environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences Between K-selected and r-selected Species

The concepts of K-selected and r-selected species are related to how different organisms have adapted their reproductive strategies in accordance to their environment. K-selected species are typically associated with stable, predictable environments and tend to have fewer offspring with a larger investment in each. They exhibit traits such as late maturity, greater longevity, increased parental care, and increased competition for resources.

Examples include elephants and oak trees. On the other hand, r-selected species are adapted to unstable, unpredictable environments. They produce a large number of offspring with minimal investment in each. These species mature early, have shorter lifespans, provide decreased parental care, and face decreased competition for resources. Marine invertebrates like jellyfish and plants like dandelions are typical r-selected species.

It's important to note that this is not an all-or-nothing classification, but rather ends of a continuum where many species exhibit a mix of these traits or may shift strategies under different environmental pressures. The theory of K-selection and r-selection helps us understand the various life history strategies organisms have evolved to cope with the different challenges they face in their habitats.