All Flashcards
What is the key difference between r and K-selected species?
R-selected species prioritize a high rate of reproduction, while K-selected species prioritize survival and parental care.
How does environmental stability influence reproductive strategies?
Stable environments favor K-selected species, while unstable environments favor r-selected species.
What type of survivorship curve do r-selected species typically exhibit?
Type III, characterized by high mortality rates early in life.
What type of survivorship curve do K-selected species typically exhibit?
Type I or II, characterized by high survival rates early and middle life, with mortality concentrated later in life.
How does competition for resources affect r and K-selected species?
K-selected species face high competition, while r-selected species face low competition.
What role do r-selected species play in ecological succession?
They are pioneer species, colonizing disturbed areas first.
What role do K-selected species play in ecological succession?
They are late-stage successors, establishing in mature ecosystems.
How are r/K strategies related to population growth?
r-selected species often show exponential growth, while K-selected species stabilize near carrying capacity.
How does parental care relate to r/K selection?
r-selected species exhibit little to no parental care, while K-selected species invest significant time and energy in raising offspring.
How does size relate to r/K selection?
r-selected species are generally small while K-selected species are generally larger.
What is the main difference between r and K-selected species reproductive strategies?
r-selected prioritize high reproduction rates; K-selected prioritize survival and parental care.
How does competition affect r and K-selected species?
r-selected: low competition; K-selected: high competition for resources.
What type of survivorship curve is associated with r-selected species?
Type III survivorship curve (high mortality early in life).
What type of survivorship curve is associated with K-selected species?
Type I or II survivorship curve (most individuals survive to adulthood).
What role do r-selected species play in ecological succession?
They are pioneer species, colonizing disturbed areas first.
What role do K-selected species play in ecological succession?
They are late-stage successors, dominating stable ecosystems.
How are r/K strategies related to population growth?
r-selected: exponential growth; K-selected: stabilize near carrying capacity.
How does parental care differ between r and K-selected species?
r-selected: little to no parental care; K-selected: extensive parental care.
How does lifespan differ between r and K-selected species?
r-selected: short lifespan; K-selected: long lifespan.
How does body size generally differ between r and K-selected species?
r-selected: generally small; K-selected: generally larger.
Define r-selected species.
Species with a high rate of reproduction, many offspring, and little parental care.
Define K-selected species.
Species that live near the carrying capacity, have few offspring, and invest heavily in parental care.
Define biotic potential.
The maximum reproductive capacity of a species under optimal conditions.
Define pioneer species.
The first species to colonize a barren or disturbed environment.
Define invasive species.
A non-native species that spreads rapidly and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Define carrying capacity.
The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.
Define ecological succession.
The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
Define survivorship curve.
A graph showing the number or proportion of individuals surviving to each age for a given species or group.