All Flashcards
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.
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 effect of high biotic potential in r-selected species?
Rapid population growth and potential for invasive behavior.
What is the effect of low parental investment in r-selected species?
High offspring mortality and reliance on sheer numbers for survival.
What is the effect of high competition in K-selected species?
Slower population growth, increased specialization, and adaptation to stable environments.
What is the effect of extensive parental care in K-selected species?
Higher offspring survival rates and greater investment in individual offspring.
How does being r-selected affect a species' likelihood of becoming invasive?
Increases the likelihood due to rapid reproduction and adaptability.
How does being K-selected affect a species' vulnerability to invasive species?
Increases vulnerability due to slower reproduction and higher resource competition.