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R- Selected species have high population densities while k-selected species have lower population densities
K-selected
k selected
Those are reproductive strategies that identify certain species. R-selected are those that reproduce rapidly and produce a lot of progeny; bacteria are an example. K-selected are those that reproduce very slowly and are slow to mature; humans are a k-selected species. Population density is the number of organisms per unit area. Some organisms don' t like to be crowded, so the density can affect the population size. Also, some limiting factors are density-dependent, like food or living space.
K selected
K-selected species are present in environments that are predictable and where resources aren't necessarily fought over. A k-selected species will produce less frequently and with few children than an R (or S) selected species. It's the concept of quality over quantity. K-selected species are typically bigger, take longer to reach maturity, and live longer.
Snakes display both r and K traits. They are much longer lived, produce a moderate number of eggs (some species far fewer than others). The issue with the r/K equation is that there are too many species that have the characteristics of both the r and K types which renders the information either obvious...like humans being a definite K to some frogs that are definitely r...or with some calculated value that is essentially too general for use.
The r and K selection theory refers to two different reproductive strategies in ecology. r-selected species typically have many offspring, grow quickly, and have a high reproductive rate. K-selected species have fewer offspring, invest more resources in each offspring, and have a lower reproductive rate. These strategies are shaped by different environmental conditions and life history traits.
Those are reproductive strategies that identify certain species. R-selected are those that reproduce rapidly and produce a lot of progeny; bacteria are an example. K-selected are those that reproduce very slowly and are slow to mature; humans are a k-selected species. Population density is the number of organisms per unit area. Some organisms don' t like to be crowded, so the density can affect the population size. Also, some limiting factors are density-dependent, like food or living space.
Because of their inability to reproduce rapidly, "k"-selected species tend to be more sensitive to change and are, therefore, less able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. This is what makes them susceptible to endangerment. - See more at: http://www.chacha.com/question/why-are-pest-species-likely-to-be-extreme-r%26%2345%3Bselected-species#sthash.E2Anrl2s.dpuf
An r-selected species is an animal with a high growth rate and offspring with a lower chance of living past adulthood. Examples of r-selected species are small rodents, mammals and grass.
Vultures are k-selected organisms because they only have a few offspring, they take care of their offspring, and they do not reproduce quickly.