Which reproductive strategy is characteristic of K-selected species?

K-selected species are characterized by their reproductive strategy that focuses on producing fewer offspring but investing significant resources in their development and parental care. This strategy is typically seen in stable environments where competition for resources is high. By producing well-developed young, K-selected species increase the likelihood of survival for each offspring.

This extensive parental care enhances the chances of survival as parents often nurture and protect their young from predators and ensure they have access to the necessary resources for growth. Through this strategy, K-selected species can maintain their populations in an ecosystem that supports limited numbers, as opposed to R-selected species, which thrive in unpredictable environments by producing many offspring quickly.

The other options highlight strategies associated with R-selected species, which prioritize quantity over quality in offspring production, having shorter gestation times, and requiring less parental investment. Therefore, the focus on fewer, well-developed young with extensive parental care is what distinguishes K-selected species in ecological terms.