MCAT Question A Day - 10/1/14 - Answer!
All of the following factors would most likely favor an r-selection reproductive strategy over a K-selection strategy EXCEPT:
A. intense seasonal droughts
B. a short growing season
C. limited space
D. large scale commercial predation by humans
C is correct. r-strategy is more efficient when the prevailing conditions are governed by density independent factors such as harsh environment, short seasons, etc. Commercial predation methods have a similar effect. R-strategists are able to better withstand massive predation from man or others, because they produce so many more offspring than they need to continue the species. K-strategists fare better when the prevailing conditions are governed by density dependent factors such as limited resources. K-strategists can better exploit limited resources by specializing.
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C is correct. r-strategy is more efficient when the prevailing conditions are governed by density independent factors such as harsh environment, short seasons, etc. Commercial predation methods have a similar effect. R-strategists are able to better withstand massive predation from man or others, because they produce so many more offspring than they need to continue the species. K-strategists fare better when the prevailing conditions are governed by density dependent factors such as limited resources. K-strategists can better exploit limited resources by specializing.
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