K-Selected and r-Selected Species - AP Environmental Science

Which type of species is more vulnerable to extinction?

K-selected species. Slower reproduction and specialization increase extinction risk.
Which species type is better suited for climax communities?

K-selected species. Competitive advantages suit stable, mature ecosystem conditions.
How do r-selected species populations typically grow?

J-shaped exponential growth curve. Rapid initial growth without resource limitations creates J-shaped curve.
Which species type typically matures quickly?

r-selected species. Fast maturation maximizes reproductive opportunities in unstable environments.
Which type of species invests more energy in offspring care?

K-selected species. Fewer offspring allow for greater parental investment per individual.
Which type of species is more likely to exhibit territorial behavior?

K-selected species. Territory defense secures resources for fewer, well-cared offspring.
Which type of species has a lower reproductive rate?

K-selected species. Energy invested in fewer, higher-quality offspring reduces reproductive rate.
Which species type is more likely to colonize new habitats?

r-selected species. High reproductive rates enable rapid dispersal and establishment.
What is the typical population size trend for r-selected species?

Fluctuates widely. Boom-and-bust cycles create dramatic population changes.
What is a common reproductive strategy for r-selected species?

Producing many small offspring. Quantity strategy compensates for high offspring mortality rates.
Identify a factor limiting K-selected species' population growth.

Carrying capacity of the environment. Population stabilizes near maximum sustainable population size.
Which type of species is more likely to be invasive?

r-selected species. Rapid reproduction enables quick establishment in new habitats.
Which species type often experiences boom-and-bust population cycles?

r-selected species. High reproductive rates cause rapid population increases and crashes.
In which type of environment do K-selected species excel?

Stable environments. Competitive advantages matter more in predictable, resource-limited environments.
What is a life history trait of r-selected species?

Short lifespan. Fast turnover maximizes reproductive output in limited time.
Which type of species is more likely to be an apex predator?

K-selected species. Large size and competitive ability suit top predator roles.
What is a common reproductive strategy for K-selected species?

Producing few, well-cared-for offspring. Quality strategy invests heavily in each offspring's survival.
How do K-selected species populations typically grow?

S-shaped logistic growth curve. Population growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity limits.
What is a survival strategy of r-selected species?

Maximizing reproduction rate. High reproductive output compensates for environmental uncertainty.
Which species type has typically more offspring per reproductive event?

r-selected species. High fecundity maximizes reproductive output per breeding cycle.
Identify a habitat where r-selected species thrive.

Unstable or unpredictable environments. Rapid reproduction helps exploit temporary resources and opportunities.
Which type of species is more adaptable to changing environments?

r-selected species. High reproductive rates allow quick response to environmental changes.
Which species type typically has a longer lifespan?

K-selected species. Lower mortality rates and investment in survival extend lifespan.
What is the typical population size trend for K-selected species?

Stable near carrying capacity. Populations remain close to maximum sustainable levels.
Which species type is more likely to be affected by density-independent factors?

r-selected species. Population changes driven by external environmental disturbances.
Which type of species is more likely to have parental care?

K-selected species. Investment in fewer offspring allows for extensive parental care.
What is an example of a K-selected species?

Elephants. Large mammals with long lifespans and extensive parental care.
Which type of species typically has larger body size?

K-selected species. Larger size often correlates with longer development and lifespan.
What is a life history trait of K-selected species?

Long lifespan. Extended lifespan allows for repeated reproductive opportunities.
What is a key characteristic of K-selected species?

Long gestation periods and fewer offspring. K-selected species prioritize quality over quantity in reproduction.
Which type of species is more likely to have high mortality rates?

r-selected species. High reproductive rates compensate for increased mortality risk.
Which type of species is more competitive for resources?

K-selected species. Better ability to compete for limited resources in stable environments.
Which type of species has a higher chance of offspring survival?

K-selected species. Intensive parental care increases individual offspring survival rates.
What is a defining trait of r-selected species?

High reproductive rates and short gestation. r-selected species prioritize rapid reproduction for population growth.
What is an example of an r-selected species?

Mice. Small mammals with rapid reproduction and short generation times.
What is a survival strategy of K-selected species?

Investing in offspring quality. Parental investment increases individual offspring survival and fitness.
Which species type is more likely to be affected by density-dependent factors?

K-selected species. Population regulation responds to resource availability and competition.
What is the reproductive strategy of opportunistic species?

r-selected strategy. Opportunistic species exploit temporary resource availability rapidly.
Which species type is better suited for pioneer stages of succession?

r-selected species. Rapid colonization ability suits early succession environments.
What is the reproductive strategy of equilibrium species?

K-selected strategy. Equilibrium species maintain stable populations near carrying capacity.

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