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#r/K selection theory

2 public questions tagged with this topic.

Survivorship and rK Strategies

The r/K-selection theory was proposed by:

MacArthur and Wilson introduced the r/K selection framework while developing ideas about population growth and island biogeography. The labels come from the intrinsic growth rate, r, and carrying capacity, K, in the logistic model. Later ecologists refined or criticized the simple two-category scheme, but it remains useful as an introductory way to organize correlated life-history traits. Survivorship and reproductive schedules are connected through allocation. An organism has finite energy for growth, maintenance, defense, and reproduction; investment in one function constrains the others. Na

Ref: Ecology: Concepts and Applications, Molles, 9th Ed., Ch. 12

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Survivorship and rK Strategies

Which trait is NOT typical of r-strategists?

High parental investment is inconsistent with the usual r-selected syndrome. Early reproduction, short generation time, many small offspring, effective dispersal, and use of disturbed habitats all promote rapid colonization. Extensive care consumes time and energy per offspring, reduces the number produced, and is more characteristic of the K-selected end, where competition is intense and survival of each juvenile has high value. Life-history traits should be interpreted as correlated tendencies rather than rigid packages. Adult survival, juvenile mortality, body size, development time, fecund

Ref: Ecology: Concepts and Applications, Molles, 9th Ed., Ch. 12

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