All Flashcards
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.
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, 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.