Question

Species that have many offspring at one time are usually: a. \(r\) -selected b. K-selected c. both \(r\) - and \(K\) -selected d. not selected

Short answer

The correct answer is a. r-selected

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concepts

First, understand that r-selected species are usually those that live in variable, unstable habitats and produce many offspring, each of which has a low probability of surviving to adulthood. On the other hand, K-selected species live in stable environments and produce fewer offspring, but concentrate their resources on the survival and growth of these individuals.

Relate the information to the question

Next, go back to the question: 'Species that have many offspring at one time are usually:'. Relate this to the definition of r-selected species which states that these species produce many offspring. Hence, species with many offspring at one time are usually r-selected.