What is a trait of r-selected species?

r-selected species are characterized by their reproductive strategies that prioritize high offspring production to maximize their chances of survival in unpredictable environments. These species tend to produce multiple offspring rapidly, allowing them to exploit available resources quickly. Since they invest minimal or no parental care towards their offspring, the strategy relies on producing enough young that some will survive despite high predation or environmental challenges.

This reproductive strategy typically takes place in environments where the population density is low, and resources may be abundant sporadically. As such, the trait of producing many offspring helps ensure that at least a few of them survive to adulthood, even if most do not.

In contrast, longer gestation periods and high parental investment are traits more aligned with K-selected species, which focus on fewer offspring that have a higher probability of survival. Similarly, options emphasizing few offspring with slow growth rates or extensive nurturing also depict strategies that involve significant parental investment, further distinguishing them from the r-selected approach.