What is r selection?
1 Answer
Dec 19, 2016
r selection is a method of rearing offspring with an emphasis on high growth rate and population increase
(explanation shows comparison to K selection)
Explanation:
r and K selection refer to the selection of the combination of traits in an organism relating to how they rear their offspring.
r selection:
emphasis on high growth rate and population increase
many offspring
short gestation
can reproduce quickly
less parental care
less time until sexual maturity
(e.g. bacteria, insects, rodents)
K selection:
emphasis on staying in carrying capacity- the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely
few offspring
long gestation
long parental care
long period until sexual maturity
(e.g. elephants, humans, whales)