Question

Describe what is meant by “K-selected” species and b) describe their general life history strategy. (+EC name an example fish)

Answer 1

In nature, organisms use different evolutionary strategies among which one strategy is known as the k selection. The species which employ this strategy are known as k selected species.

The word k represents the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. Carrying capacity means the maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can carry while providing them adequate food, shelter and other resources which are essential for the survival of the species living in that particular ecosystem. The species which are k selected often live in an environment which has almost reached its carrying capacity. Therefore, high competition occurs here. Due to this, the organisms produce less number of offsprings but the offsprings receive high parental care which ensures their survival, or we can sum up it as they care for quality more than quantity.

Life strategy: k selected species born in stable environments. As discussed earlier we know that k selected species produce less number of offsprings but the offsprings receive extended parental care until they reach maturity. This strategy ensures the survival of the offsprings. The organisms also exhibit large body size. They reach maturity slowly when compared to r selected species which reach their maturity within a few months after birth. As k selected species live longer, they have multiple reproduction cycle throughout their life. As they born in an environment which is near at its carrying capacity, the competition for resources is high. Therefore, their survival often depends on the species density.

Example: Humans, elephants, fish- cichlids.