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Intrinsic Rate of Increase

Definition

The intrinsic rate of increase represents the maximum potential for reproduction and survival within a species under ideal conditions with unlimited resources.

Analogy

Imagine you have unlimited access to your favorite food without any competition. The intrinsic rate of increase is like the maximum rate at which you can eat and reproduce in this ideal scenario.

Related terms

R-selected Species: R-selected species are organisms that have a high intrinsic rate of increase, producing many offspring with little parental care.

K-selected Species: K-selected species are organisms that have a low intrinsic rate of increase, investing more energy into each offspring and exhibiting slower population growth.

Life History Strategies: Life history strategies refer to the different reproductive and survival traits exhibited by different species in response to environmental conditions and resource availability.