Kstrategia

K-Strategia is a term used in ecology to describe the reproductive strategies employed by a species in the context of its environment. It is a key concept in population dynamics and was introduced by Charles Sutherland Morris in 1965, although it gained widespread use in the 1970s.

K-strategists, as they are known, are species that invest energy and resources into the development of a limited number of offspring, often at the expense of their own reproduction. This approach allows for a easier provision of the high level of parental care needed to bring offspring to maturity. In contrast, r-strategists focus their energy on producing large numbers of offspring with relatively low parental care.

K-strategists often exhibit adaptations that enable their offspring to survive and thrive in difficult environments. This behavior is often observed in species that have developed complex social structures or parental care. Marine mammals, such as orcas and elephants, are considered exemplars of K-strategists. They can invest extensive time and energy into nurturing their offspring.

In contrast, environments with abundant resources may favor the success of r-strategists. Examples of r-strategists include many species of fish, birds, and small mammals that reproduce relatively quickly and at a frequency influenced by the current condition of the participating resource.

The K-strategy is often associated with species living in stable environments. In unstable or harsh environments, the r-strategy is more likely to be favored.