As described in section 46.2 and Figure 46.7 of your textbook (below), natural populations are affected by both density-dependent and density-independent factors. In a population affected mainly by density-dependent factors, would you expect natural selection to favor an r-selected or K-selected life history?

Question

As described in section 46.2 and Figure 46.7 of your textbook (below), natural populations are affected by both density-dependent and density-independent factors.  In a population affected mainly by density-dependent factors, would you expect natural selection to favor an r-selected or K-selected life history?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a population affected mainly by density-dependent factors, competition is high and resources are limited. Therefore, natural selection would favor individuals that are better able to compete and efficiently use available resources, which are characteristics associated with K-selected life histories.

As Described in Section 46