2.5.11 (HL)—r- and K-strategist species

r-strategy favours many small offspring and rapid colonization; K-strategy favours fewer, better-invested offspring under stronger competition and stable resources.

Use the environment, not a species label: short-lived disturbance and open niches favour rapid reproduction, while crowded long-lived populations favour competitive investment. Real species lie on a continuum.

Wind-dispersed annuals can colonize bare ground quickly; slow-growing trees invest in fewer offspring in a mature forest.

Recently disturbed habitat tends to favour r-like traits because empty space and short-lived opportunities reward rapid reproduction and colonization.

‘r’ and ‘K’ are endpoints of a continuum, not permanent boxes for every species or life stage.