r and K selection



Paul Andersen explains the differences between an r and a K selected species. He starts with a brief description of population growth noting the importance of; r or growth rate, N or number of individuals in the population, and K the carrying capacity. He describes three different survivorship curves found in organisms. He lists the characteristics of r-selected species like bacteria and K-selected species like humans.

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20 Comments

  1. Could you please enlighten me on the name for such diverse reproductive strategies within the same species? For instance, some Homo sapiens choose to have one or two children, investing significant resources in each, while others opt for multiple offspring with different partners, providing minimal resources per offspring. Would both scenarios be considered examples of K-R selection strategy, despite similar lifespans in both instances? Thank you. Kal.

  2. A very well-taught lesson on a very flawed concept that is still way too persistent in textbooks. Ecologists have moved away from this framework long ago, like in the 80's. It would be great if you ended the lesson by acknowledging the shortcomings of the r/k paradigm.

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