Which of the following statements about the evolution of life histories is correct?
A)Stable environments with limited resources favour 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 different environments favour different life history strategies. Some environments are more stable and predictable, allowing for K-selected traits such as delayed reproduction and investment in offspring survival. Others are more unpredictable and have high mortality rates, favouring r-selected traits such as early reproduction and high fecundity. Thus, many populations exhibit a mix of r- and K-selected traits depending on the prevailing environmental conditions.

Which of the Following Statements About the Evolution of Life