Which of the following statements about the evolution of life histories is correct?
A) Stable environments with limited resources favor r-selected populations.
B) K-selected populations are most often found in environments where density-independent factors are important regulators of population size.
C) Most populations have both r- and K-selected characteristics that vary under different environmental conditions.
D) The reproductive efforts of r-selected populations are directed at producing just a few offspring with good competitive abilities.
E) K-selected populations rarely approach carrying capacity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most populations have both r- and K-selected characteristics that vary under different environmental conditions. This is because environmental conditions can change over time, requiring populations to adapt their life history strategies accordingly. For example, a population may exhibit r-selected characteristics (such as producing many small offspring with limited parental care) during times of high resource availability, but shift towards K-selected characteristics (such as producing fewer, larger offspring with more parental care) when resources become limited. Therefore, it is common for populations to have a mix of both r- and K-selected traits.

Which of the Following Statements About the Evolution of Life