Discussion – R and K Selective Organisms

Discussion – R and K Selective Organisms

The terms ‘r’ and ‘k’ refer to the specific maximum growth increase given by subtraction of the minimum specific mortality rate from the specific maximum growth rate of organisms and the density of individual organisms that a certain environment can support at population equilibrium (Andrews & Harris, 1986). It is important to understand these concepts to understand different survival strategies adopted by living organisms and elaborate on their differences.

R-Selection

This is the selection for maximum population increase in sparse populations where density is an independent component of natural selection. R-selection species occur in ephemeral habitats. These organisms mature at early ages. Their strategy for reproduction is semelparity, whereby organisms undergo a single reproduction before death. Additionally, the rate of reproduction is high. Young ones receive no parental care; thus, they last for limited periods. As a result, there are large populations of young offspring. Further, r-selective organisms are allocated large proportions of resources for reproduction (Parry, 1981).

K-Selection

This is the selection for completion ability in densely populated environments, whereby density is dependent on natural selection. K-selective organisms occur in habitats that are stable for long durations. Organisms experience delayed maturity. The strategy for reproduction is iteroparity, as organisms experience more than one reproduction cycle before death. With the low population of young ones, offspring receive extensive parental care, which extends their lifespan. Lastly, species are allocated small proportions of resources for reproduction.

Conclusion

R and K- and K-selective organisms differ in many ways. They occur in different habitats and adopt different strategies for reproduction. For instance, the rate of reproduction for r-organisms is high, such that the population of the young is high. However, they receive no parental care; therefore, their lifespan is reduced. On the other hand, there is delayed reproduction for k-organisms, increasing their lifespan. Therefore, the r- and k- are essential concepts applied by organisms to maximize their survival rate in a given environment.

References

Andrews, J., & Harris, R. (1986). r- and K-Selection and Microbial Ecology. Advances in Microbial Ecology, 99-147. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0611-6_3

Parry, G. (1981). The meanings of r- and K-selection. Oecologia, 48(2), 260-264. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00347974

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Discussion – R and K Selective Organisms

What is the difference between R and K selective? Provide an example of a K specialist species and an R specialist species (find examples outside the textbook). What kind of environment would favor each and why?