R and K Selection Guided Viewing
1: What does “r” stand for?
It stands for growth rate
2: What happens if we have a positive “r”?
You will have exponential growth and eventually hit logistic growth
3: What is “N”?
The number of individuals in the population
4: What is “K”?
Carrying capacity
5: Explain the survivorship curve. (Give an example for each)
TYPE I: Survival is likely early on. Ex/ humans
TYPE II: Dying off at a linear rate Ex/ robins
TYPE III: Most die off very early on Ex/ frogs
6: How does the environment affect the survivorship curve?
Some environments are stable in comparison to others. Stable environments usually help prolong life
7: What are “r” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
8: What are “K” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
It stands for growth rate
2: What happens if we have a positive “r”?
You will have exponential growth and eventually hit logistic growth
3: What is “N”?
The number of individuals in the population
4: What is “K”?
Carrying capacity
5: Explain the survivorship curve. (Give an example for each)
TYPE I: Survival is likely early on. Ex/ humans
TYPE II: Dying off at a linear rate Ex/ robins
TYPE III: Most die off very early on Ex/ frogs
6: How does the environment affect the survivorship curve?
Some environments are stable in comparison to others. Stable environments usually help prolong life
7: What are “r” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
- Unstable environment
- High rate of offsprings
- Small body size
- Early Maturity
- Short Generation Time
- Dispersed offspring
8: What are “K” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
- Stable environment
- Large body size
- Long life expectancy
- High parental care
- Fewer offspring