Difference between K-selected species vs. r-selected species

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

 

Let me share with you a difference between K-selected species vs. r-selected species.

Aspect K-selected Species r-selected Species
Reproductive strategy ·        Low reproductive rate

·        High parental investment

·        High reproductive rate

·        Low parental investment

Population size Small populations Large populations
Life expectancy Longer life expectancy Shorter life expectancy
Maturity age Delayed maturity Early maturity
Number of offspring Few offspring per reproductive event Many offspring per reproductive event
Parental care Extensive parental care and protection of offspring Limited or no parental care
Survival rate High survival rate of offspring Low survival rate of offspring
Habitat Typically in stable environments Often in unpredictable or changing environments
Competition Better competitors for resources Often poor competitors for resources
Adaptability to environmental changes Less adaptable to rapid environmental changes More adaptable to rapid environmental changes
Examples ·        Elephants

·        Whales

·        Humans

·        Insects

·        Rodents

·        Weeds

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