Which scenario best exemplifies K-selection in an organism’s life history?

• A. A species with few offspring and high parental care illustrates K-selection.
• B. A species with many offspring and little care illustrates K-selection.
• C. A species with rapid growth regardless of environment illustrates K-selection.
• D. A species with no parental care in a predictable environment illustrates K-selection.

Answer: (B)

K-selection focuses on traits that help offspring survive in stable environments near the carrying capacity. In such settings resources are limited and competition is intense, so parents invest more in a smaller number of offspring to maximize their chances of survival and long-term success.

The scenario that best fits this is one where a species has few offspring and high parental care. By producing only a few young and dedicating substantial energy to each, the species increases the likelihood that each offspring reaches adulthood, which is advantageous when resources are steady and population size is near the environment’s limit. This is the opposite of r-selection, which favors many offspring with little parental investment to capitalize on unpredictable or fluctuating environments.

The other descriptions lean toward r-selection or growth strategies: many offspring with little care reflect the r-selected approach; rapid growth regardless of environment describes a trait that isn’t inherently tied to stable carrying-capacity constraints; and no parental care in a predictable environment doesn’t align with the high investment characteristic of K-selection.