Biology Essentials- r and K Selection
Guided Viewing
1: What is “r” stand for?
Growth rate.
2: What happens if we have a positive “r”?
You will first have exponential growth and then eventually you will run out of space or food and there is going to be competition and then you are going to hit what is called 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: Humans
TYPE II: Songbirds
TYPE III: Frogs
6: How does the environment affect the survivorship curve?
The environment affects the survivorship curve because if the environment is not stable then the curve can just drop quickly.
7: What are “r” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
"r" selected species are those that base their lives on growth rate.
Characteristics:
8: What are “K” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
"K" selected species put their lives around the carrying capacity.
Characteristics:
Guided Viewing
1: What is “r” stand for?
Growth rate.
2: What happens if we have a positive “r”?
You will first have exponential growth and then eventually you will run out of space or food and there is going to be competition and then you are going to hit what is called 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: Humans
TYPE II: Songbirds
TYPE III: Frogs
6: How does the environment affect the survivorship curve?
The environment affects the survivorship curve because if the environment is not stable then the curve can just drop quickly.
7: What are “r” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
"r" selected species are those that base their lives on growth rate.
Characteristics:
- Unstable environment
- High fecundity
- Small body size
- Early maturity
- Short generation time
- Dispersed offspring
8: What are “K” selected species? Explain characteristics of these species.
"K" selected species put their lives around the carrying capacity.
Characteristics:
- Stable environment
- Large body size
- Long life expectancy
- High parental care
- Fewer offspring