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r-selected species

Definition

r-selected species are organisms that have a high reproductive rate and produce many offspring, but provide little parental care. They typically have short lifespans and reach sexual maturity quickly.

Analogy

Think of r-selected species as the "fast food" of the animal kingdom. Just like fast food restaurants churn out large quantities of cheap meals quickly, r-selected species reproduce rapidly and produce many offspring without investing much time or energy into each individual.

Related terms

K-selected species: These are organisms that have a low reproductive rate and produce few offspring, but provide extensive parental care. They typically have longer lifespans and reach sexual maturity later.

Carrying capacity: This refers to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support.

Population growth rate: It is the rate at which a population increases or decreases over time, taking into account births, deaths, immigration, and emigration.