95. Compared to K-selection, r-selection favours
    (1) rapid development, smaller body size and early,semelparous reproduction.
    (2) rapid development, smaller body size and early,iteroparous reproduction.
    (3) slow development, larger body size and late, iteroparous reproduction.
    (4) slow development, smaller body size and late, iteroparous reproduction

Introduction

In ecology, r-selection and K-selection describe two ends of a spectrum of reproductive and life-history strategies. These strategies reflect how species adapt to their environments, focusing on either rapid population growth or competitive stability. Understanding the differences between r-selection and K-selection is key to predicting how species respond to environmental changes and resource availability.

What Is r-Selection?

r-Selected species are adapted to unstable or unpredictable environments. They maximize their reproductive rate (r) by maturing quickly, reproducing early, and producing many small offspring with little or no parental care. This strategy allows them to exploit brief opportunities for population growth and colonize new or disturbed habitats rapidly.

Key Traits of r-Selected Species

• Rapid development: Individuals grow and mature quickly, allowing for short generation times.

• Smaller body size: These species tend to be smaller, which supports faster development and higher reproductive rates.

• Early reproduction: r-Selected organisms reproduce soon after reaching maturity, often within a single season or year.

• Semelparous reproduction: Many r-selected species reproduce only once in a massive burst (semelparity), then die, although some may be iteroparous.

• Minimal parental care: Offspring are typically left to fend for themselves.

r-Selection vs. K-Selection: A Quick Comparison

Evaluating the Options

Let’s review the answer choices in light of r-selection theory:

1. Rapid development, smaller body size and early, semelparous reproduction.

   • Correct.

   • These are classic r-selected traits: fast development, small size, early and often one-time (semelparous) reproduction.

2. Rapid development, smaller body size and early, iteroparous reproduction.

   • While some r-selected species may be iteroparous, semelparity is more typical for those with extremely rapid life cycles.

3. Slow development, larger body size and late, iteroparous reproduction.

   • These are K-selected traits, not r-selected.

4. Slow development, smaller body size and late, iteroparous reproduction.

   • Again, slow development and late reproduction are K-selected features.

Conclusion

Compared to K-selection, r-selection favors rapid development, smaller body size, and early, semelparous reproduction. These traits allow r-selected species to thrive in unpredictable environments by maximizing reproductive output and quickly exploiting available resources.

Correct answer:
(1) rapid development, smaller body size and early, semelparous reproduction.