Chapter 4, Problem 22A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

r-strategists organisms among minnow, giraffe, human, beetle, bacteria, eagle, and cougar

Introduction:

Reproductive pattern of any organisms depends on the number of births per reproduction cycle, age at which reproduction begins, and life span of the organisms. Organisms are grouped based on these reproductive factors and environmental factors.

r-strategists

k-strategists

Explanation of Solution

r- strategists: organisms whose environmental factors (biotic and abiotic) vary time to time.

These organisms are generally small in size and have very short life span. To compensate short life span and to take advantage of favorable environmental factors, they produce as many offspring as possible.

Minnow, beetle, bacteria are the r-strategists organisms.

Conclusion

r-strategists population are generally controlled by density independent factors, and rarely maintains a population near carrying capacity.