r- versus K-selected Species

K-selected species usually live near the carrying capacity of their environment. Their numbers are controlled by the availability of resources. In other words, they are a density dependent species. Food availability is one resource that controls population size.

K-selected species have attributes that distinguish them from r-selected species. The attributes of a K-selected species include a long maturation time, breeding relatively late in life, a long lifespan, producing relatively few offspring, large newborn offspring, low mortality rates of young, and extensive parental care. Examples of a K-selected species include elephants, bonobo apes and humans.

On the other hand, r-selected species are the opposite. They are very opportunistic. The attributes of a r-selected species include a short maturation tim, breeding at a young age, a short lifespan, producing many offspring quickly, small offspring, high mortality rates of young, and nonexistent parental care. Examples of r-selected species include waterfleas, insects, and bacteria.

• Would you classify cheetahs as a r-selected species, a K-selected species, or a species exhibiting both r and K attributes? Defend your answer.