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, few offspring, and lots of 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 or human health.
Define carrying capacity.
The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support.
Define ecological succession.
The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
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 introducing an r-selected species into a K-selected dominated environment?
The r-selected species can become invasive due to its high reproductive rate and ability to quickly colonize new areas, outcompeting native species.
What is the effect of habitat destruction on K-selected species?
Habitat destruction can severely impact K-selected species due to their low reproductive rates and high dependence on specific resources, potentially leading to population decline or extinction.
What is the effect of climate change on r-selected species?
Climate change can alter the distribution and abundance of r-selected species, as they are often more adaptable to changing conditions and can quickly exploit new opportunities.
What is the effect of overfishing on K-selected fish species?
Overfishing can decimate K-selected fish populations due to their slow growth rates and late maturity, making them vulnerable to depletion.
What is the effect of introducing a predator on a population of r-selected species?
The r-selected species population will decrease rapidly due to the new predation pressure.
What is the effect of a disease outbreak on a population of K-selected species?
The K-selected species population will decrease rapidly due to their low number of offspring and longer generation times.