14.5.3 Population Ecology: Population Strategy: r vs. K Flashcards

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1
Q

Population Ecology: Population Strategy: r vs. K

A
  • The logistic population growth model predicts that a population’s growth rate changes as it approaches carrying capacity.
  • The model predicts that populations with either low or high densities relative to carrying capacity will have different life-history strategies.
  • High-density populations are called K-selected and have adaptations that enable them to survive and reproduce with few resources.
  • Low-density populations are called r-selected and have adaptations for allowing rapid reproduction.
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2
Q

logistic population growth model

A
  • Review: The graph on the left depicts the logistic growth of a population. The population initially increases until it reaches the inflection point. At that point, the rate of increase slows until it reaches carrying capacity.
  • The logistic population growth modelshows that population growth varies with population density. In real-life situations, scarce resources—such as food, mates, or shelter—limit population growth.
  • One limitation of the model is that all individuals are
    considered equal regardless of their age. Adults have a greater impact on a population than young.
  • The logistic population growth model predicts that
    populations with either low or high densities relative to carrying capacity will have different life-history strategies.
  • Low-density populations are called r-selected and have adaptations that lead to rapid reproduction, like early maturation. Populations remain under the carrying capacity. Many insect species are considered to be r-selected.
  • High-density populations are called K-selected. They have adaptations—like slow growth rate—that enable them to survive and reproduce with few resources. Populations increase and remain at carrying capacity. Many large mammals, like lions, are K-selected.
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3
Q

r strategists have a __________ death rate and are ___________.

A
  • high; small
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4
Q

Which of the following is a good example of an r-selected organism?

A
  • mayflies
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5
Q

K strategists have a __________ maturation time and a __________ life span.

A
  • long; long
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6
Q

Which of the following are K-selected organisms?

A
  • humans
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7
Q

In terms of population strategies, how would you classify robins?

A
  • Robins exhibit some characteristics of r strategists and some characteristics of K strategists and should be thought of laying somewhere along the continuum between the two strategies.
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8
Q

True or false?

The categories of r and K strategies are useful because they allow all species to be classified into two groups.

A
  • false
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