equilibrium species

These species show characteristics which are consonant with a stable niche. Persistence of individuals enables the species to survive. Dispersal is less important and perseverance is more significant than recovery from adverse conditions. The survival of the young is more important than high fecundity. Large desert plants exhibit these properties. They grow rapidly in the rains and, unlike opportunist species, put most of their energy into growth and conservation of resources. Reproduction is a rare event; some species may set seed only once in several years as with cacti. see r-selection.