14.5.3 Population Ecology: Population Strategy: r vs. K Flashcards
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.
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.
3
Q
r strategists have a __________ death rate and are ___________.
A
- high; small
4
Q
Which of the following is a good example of an r-selected organism?
A
- mayflies
5
Q
K strategists have a __________ maturation time and a __________ life span.
A
- long; long
6
Q
Which of the following are K-selected organisms?
A
- humans
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.
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