r and K Selected Species

Species differ in the overall life-history strategy they use to grow and reproduce, and ecologists broadly classify these strategies as r-selected or K-selected. r-selected species are typically smaller-bodied organisms that produce large numbers of offspring, mature early, have short life expectancy, reproduce only once or a few times over their lifetime, and see only a small fraction of their offspring survive to adulthood; this strategy suits unstable, unpredictable environments and is regulated more by density-independent factors. K-selected species sit at the other end of the spectrum: they are typically larger-bodied organisms that produce few offspring, mature late with extended parental care, have long life expectancy, can reproduce repeatedly across their lifetime, and see most individuals survive to their maximum life span; this strategy suits stable environments and is regulated more by density-depe …