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 |