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Multiple Choice
Butterflies show r-selection traits. What does this statement imply about their reproductive strategy?
A
They invest heavily in each offspring and have long lifespans.
B
They compete intensely for limited resources in crowded environments.
C
They produce many offspring with little parental care.
D
They have low reproductive rates and stable population sizes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of r-selection traits: Organisms with r-selection traits typically prioritize quantity over quality in reproduction. They produce many offspring but invest minimal resources in each one, relying on high reproductive rates to ensure survival of the species.
Compare r-selection traits to K-selection traits: K-selected organisms invest heavily in fewer offspring, providing significant parental care and ensuring higher survival rates for each individual. This is the opposite of r-selection traits.
Analyze the reproductive strategy of butterflies: Butterflies exhibit r-selection traits, meaning they produce a large number of offspring but provide little to no parental care. This strategy increases the chances that at least some offspring will survive in unpredictable or unstable environments.
Evaluate the implications of r-selection traits: Butterflies are adapted to environments where resources may be abundant temporarily but are not consistently stable. Their strategy allows them to quickly exploit favorable conditions and reproduce in large numbers.
Match the correct answer to the traits described: The correct answer is 'They produce many offspring with little parental care,' as this aligns with the definition and characteristics of r-selection traits.