Ecology: Specialists, Generalists, and Species Types

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of specialist species that increases their risk of extinction?

Narrow ecological niche and specific food requirements (correct)

Preference for diverse habitats

Ability to adapt to a wide variety of conditions

High reproductive rates and short lifespans

How does the reproductive strategy of K-selected species primarily differ from that of r-selected species?

K-selected species have short lifespans and mature quickly

K-selected species produce many offspring with little parental care

K-selected species produce fewer offspring with high parental care (correct)

K-selected species have high biotic potential and rapid population growth

Why are generalist species typically less prone to extinction compared to specialist species?

They rely on limited food sources to thrive

They have specific habitat requirements that are easily fulfilled

They tend to have lower reproductive rates than specialists

They can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions (correct)

Which statement about r-selected species is true?

They produce a high number of offspring with low parental investment Signup and view all the answers

What potential challenges do K-selected species face in changing environments?

Low biotic potential and slow population growth rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of r-selected species?

They reproduce many times throughout their lifespan. Signup and view all the answers

What type of habitats are K-selected species generally found in?

Habitats with high competition for resources. Signup and view all the answers

How does the biotic potential of K-selected species compare to r-selected species?

K-selected species have a low biotic potential. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the population dynamics of r-selected species?

Their populations fluctuate above and below carrying capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome if a K-selected species faces a significant environmental change?

They may struggle to survive due to their lower reproductive rates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait of r-selected species in terms of adaptability?

They are more likely to adapt to changing conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the offspring if a parent of a K-selected species dies?

Death of the parent usually impacts the survival of the offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the reproductive strategies of r-selected species?

They have a high biotic potential allowing for rapid population growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of an r-selected species could enhance its success as an invasive species?

Rapid reproduction and high offspring numbers Signup and view all the answers

What does a Type I survivorship curve indicate about a species?

High survivorship due to parental care Signup and view all the answers

What trend in survivorship is depicted in a Type III survivorship curve?

High mortality early in life with few reaching maturity Signup and view all the answers

In the survivorship curves, which type usually represents mammals?

Type I Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a Type II survivorship curve?

Constant survivorship risk throughout life Signup and view all the answers

In what way does faster generation time affect the adaptation and extinction of a species?

Increases chance of adaptation and lowers chance of extinction Signup and view all the answers

How does the survivorship curve relate to population dynamics in different species?

It influences reproductive strategies and survival rates Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the relationship between Zebra Mussels and Unionid Mussels in terms of population density?

Zebra Mussels negatively impact Unionid Mussel populations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Specialist vs. Generalist Species

Specialists have narrow ecological niches and are more prone to extinction due to their specific food requirements and limited adaptability.
Generalists have broader ecological niches, are more adaptable, and less likely to go extinct. They also have a higher chance of being invasive.

K-selected & r-selected species

K-selected species are characterized by a high investment in fewer offspring.
K-selected species have longer lifespans, reach sexual maturity slowly, and have a lower biotic potential—a lower rate of population growth that is more easily disrupted by environmental changes or invasive species.
r-selected species produce many offspring with little parental care and have a short lifespan and quick sexual maturity.
r-selected species have high biotic potential and a higher population growth rate that makes them more likely to be invasive and better adapted to rapidly changing environments.

Habitats/Populations

K-selected species tend to inhabit habitats with higher competition for resources and their populations are more stable, often remaining near their carrying capacity (K).
r-selected species live in habitats with lower competition and fluctuate above and below carrying capacity due to their rapid reproductive rate.

Traits or characteristics of r-selected & K-selected species

K-selected species have low biotic potential, experience slower population recovery from disturbances, and exhibit a higher rate of parental care.
r-selected species have high biotic potential, experience faster population recovery from disturbances, and exhibit lower parental care.

Spectrum of Parental Care

K-selected species exhibit higher parental care than r-selected species, increasing offspring survival but potentially limiting reproductive events.
r-selected species exhibit less parental care, allowing more offspring to be produced but increasing mortality.

Invasiveness & Disturbances

K-selected species are less likely to adapt to disturbances and more likely to be impacted by invasive species because of their slow population growth.
r-selected species are more adaptable, have faster population growth, and are less likely to be impacted by invasive species.
r-selected species are often invasive due to their quick reproductive rate and rapid population growth.

Survivorship Curves

A survivorship curve is a graph that shows the survival rate of a cohort (group of same-aged individuals) in a population from birth to death.
The steeper the drop in the line, the quicker the die-off of individuals and the shorter the average lifespan.
The slower the drop in the line, the longer the average lifespan.

Type I, II, and III Survivorship

Type I (mostly K-selected) survivorship curves show high survivorship early in life, high survivorship in midlife, and a rapid decline in survivorship in late life.
Type III (mostly r-selected) survivorship curves show high mortality (low survivorship) early in life, few surviving to midlife, and a steady decline in survivorship in old age.
Type II survivorship curves show a steadily decreasing survivorship throughout life.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the differences between specialist and generalist species, including their ecological niches and adaptability. It also covers K-selected and r-selected species, highlighting how their reproductive strategies impact their survival and adaptability to environmental changes. Test your understanding of these concepts in ecology!