APES r-selected vs K-selected species review
Review key concepts of r-selected and K-selected species for the AP Environmental Science exam, including definitions, characteristics, and examples.
Quiz(24 questions)
1. Which of the following best defines r-selected species?
Terms in this Study Set(24)
Definitions and Characteristics(12)
Define r-selected species.
Species that produce many offspring, with low parental investment. Examples: insects, weeds.
What is a key characteristic of K-selected species?
K-selected species invest significant parental care in few offspring, ensuring higher survival rates.
True or False: r-selected species thrive in stable environments.
False. r-selected species thrive in unstable environments where rapid reproduction is advantageous.
Compare reproduction strategies of r-selected vs K-selected species.
r-selected: Many offspring, low investment. K-selected: Few offspring, high investment.
Fill in the blank: r-selected species often have __________ lifespans.
shorter
What is the effect of high offspring mortality in r-selected species?
It leads to a strategy of producing many offspring to ensure some survive.
Give an example of a K-selected species.
Elephants, humans, and whales are examples of K-selected species.
How do r-selected species handle environmental changes?
They reproduce quickly to exploit temporary favorable conditions.
True or False: K-selected species are typically found in disturbed habitats.
False. K-selected species prefer stable environments with consistent resources.
What is a common trait of r-selected species' life cycle?
Rapid development and early reproduction.
Describe parental investment in K-selected species.
High parental investment results in fewer offspring but increases their survival rates.
Cause → Effect: High mortality rate leads to which type of species strategy?
r-selected strategy, focusing on quantity over quality of offspring.
Examples and Applications(12)
What is an example of an r-selected species?
House mice are r-selected species. They reproduce quickly and produce many offspring, which helps them thrive in unstable environments.
True or False: K-selected species tend to have high parental care.
True. K-selected species like elephants and humans often invest significant time and resources in raising fewer offspring.
Fill in the blank: Salmon are examples of ____ species.
r-selected species. They produce large numbers of eggs but provide no parental care.
Compare the reproductive strategies of r-selected vs K-selected species.
r-selected: high reproduction rate, low parental care. K-selected: low reproduction rate, high parental investment.
What is a real-world example of a K-selected species?
Bald eagles are K-selected species. They have long lifespans, produce few offspring, and provide extensive parental care.
Cause → Effect: Why do r-selected species thrive in unstable environments?
They reproduce quickly to take advantage of fleeting opportunities, ensuring survival despite high mortality rates.
Example: What happens to r-selected species in stable environments?
They may face competition from K-selected species, leading to population declines.
What ecological role do K-selected species often play?
K-selected species typically help maintain ecosystem stability through their long lifespans and complex behaviors.
True or False: r-selected species have a higher likelihood of extinction than K-selected species.
False. r-selected species can quickly repopulate after disturbances, making them resilient despite high mortality.
What are characteristics of r-selected species?
Rapid reproduction, short lifespan, minimal parental care, adaptable to diverse environments.
Fill in the blank: Cacti can be considered ____ species.
K-selected species. They grow slowly, invest in long-term survival strategies, and are adapted to stable environments.
How do r-selected species contribute to ecosystem dynamics?
They can rapidly populate disturbed areas, leading to quick recovery and succession in ecosystems.
Questions in this Study Set(24)
1. Which of the following best defines r-selected species?
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of r-selected species?
3. What characteristic is typical of K-selected species?
4. What is an example of a species that exhibits K-selection?
5. True or False: r-selected species are more common in stable environments.
6. True or False: r-selected species typically have long lifespans.
7. Which reproductive strategy is characteristic of r-selected species?
8. Which of the following species is least likely to be r-selected?
9. Fill in the blank: K-selected species often have __________ lifespans.
10. How do r-selected species respond to environmental disturbances?
11. What happens to the offspring mortality rate in r-selected species?
12. Which of the following is NOT a typical trait of K-selected species?
13. Which of the following is an example of a K-selected species?
14. In what type of environment do r-selected species tend to thrive?
15. How do r-selected species typically respond to environmental changes?
16. Which of the following is a primary reason r-selected species can repopulate quickly after a disturbance?
17. True or False: K-selected species are often found in disturbed habitats.
18. Which of the following correctly identifies the trade-off for K-selected species?
19. What is a common trait of the life cycle of r-selected species?
20. Fill in the blank: The American alligator can be categorized as a ____ species.
21. Describe the parental investment in K-selected species.
22. What is a likely effect of r-selected species in an ecosystem?
23. Cause → Effect: High mortality rate leads to which type of species strategy?
24. How do K-selected species contribute to their ecosystems?
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