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Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of specialist species that increases their risk of extinction?
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?
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?
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?
Which statement about r-selected species is true?
What potential challenges do K-selected species face in changing environments?
What potential challenges do K-selected species face in changing environments?
What is a characteristic of r-selected species?
What is a characteristic of r-selected species?
What type of habitats are K-selected species generally found in?
What type of habitats are K-selected species generally found in?
How does the biotic potential of K-selected species compare to r-selected species?
How does the biotic potential of K-selected species compare to r-selected species?
Which statement best describes the population dynamics of r-selected species?
Which statement best describes the population dynamics of r-selected species?
What is the likely outcome if a K-selected species faces a significant environmental change?
What is the likely outcome if a K-selected species faces a significant environmental change?
What is a common trait of r-selected species in terms of adaptability?
What is a common trait of r-selected species in terms of adaptability?
What happens to the offspring if a parent of a K-selected species dies?
What happens to the offspring if a parent of a K-selected species dies?
Which of the following statements is true about the reproductive strategies of r-selected species?
Which of the following statements is true about the reproductive strategies of r-selected species?
Which characteristic of an r-selected species could enhance its success as an invasive species?
Which characteristic of an r-selected species could enhance its success as an invasive species?
What does a Type I survivorship curve indicate about a species?
What does a Type I survivorship curve indicate about a species?
What trend in survivorship is depicted in a Type III survivorship curve?
What trend in survivorship is depicted in a Type III survivorship curve?
In the survivorship curves, which type usually represents mammals?
In the survivorship curves, which type usually represents mammals?
Which of the following statements accurately describes a Type II survivorship curve?
Which of the following statements accurately describes a Type II survivorship curve?
In what way does faster generation time affect the adaptation and extinction of a species?
In what way does faster generation time affect the adaptation and extinction of a species?
How does the survivorship curve relate to population dynamics in different species?
How does the survivorship curve relate to population dynamics in different species?
What can be inferred about the relationship between Zebra Mussels and Unionid Mussels in terms of population density?
What can be inferred about the relationship between Zebra Mussels and Unionid Mussels in terms of population density?
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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.
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