R vs k strategists

[km1865]

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Ok so according to wiki, r-selected species are those that place an emphasis on a high growth rate, and typically exploit less-crowded ecological niches and produce many offspring, each of which has a relatively low probability of surviving to adulthood (i.e. high r, low K).

So what exactly does that low K mean? like does it refer to r-species thriving in an environment with a low K value, or do the r-species change the K value of the environment they are in?
Likewise, what does the high K for K-selected species mean if K species have low r, high K? I understand high r simply refers to the exponential growth rate for r species and sigmoidal curve for K-species (also, for k species, the since the growth curve is sigmoidal, is the growth rate/r value exponential like the r-species just before the curve levels off as the environment reaches its K value?)

Thanks

 

[km1865]

Bump, anyone?

 

[km1865]

anything would be helpful. thanks guys

 

[vandyam]

I don't quite understand what you are asking. R-selection and K-selection are just reproductive strategies. The r-selection strategy is to have as many babies as possible and hope some survive to pass on genes (great for unpredictable environments), whereas k-slection requires strong parental care (and therefore less offspring).

That K just comes from an equation representing the carrying capacity (max # of organisms possible in any given environment). K-selection = sigmoidal curve, r-selection = exponential growth curve.

This is all the information regarding these selection types you need to know for the MCAT. Do not make it harder than it is...because the MCAT won't.