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Multiple Choice
The K-selection reproductive strategy maximizes survival of offspring by producing:
A
offspring that mature rapidly and reproduce early
B
a small number of offspring with high parental care
C
offspring that disperse widely and colonize new habitats quickly
D
a large number of offspring with little to no parental care
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of K-selection: K-selection is a reproductive strategy where organisms invest heavily in the survival of a small number of offspring. This strategy is common in stable environments where competition for resources is high, and the focus is on quality over quantity.
Contrast K-selection with r-selection: r-selection is the opposite strategy, where organisms produce a large number of offspring with minimal parental care, often in unpredictable or changing environments. This helps clarify why certain traits are associated with K-selection.
Identify the traits associated with K-selection: Traits include producing fewer offspring, providing significant parental care, and ensuring that offspring have a higher chance of survival to adulthood. These traits are adaptations to maximize survival in competitive environments.
Analyze the options provided: Eliminate options that do not align with the K-selection strategy. For example, 'offspring that mature rapidly and reproduce early' and 'a large number of offspring with little to no parental care' are traits of r-selection, not K-selection.
Select the correct answer: Based on the traits of K-selection, the correct answer is 'a small number of offspring with high parental care,' as this aligns with the strategy's focus on maximizing offspring survival through significant investment in their care.