Which statement best describes r-selected populations?

• A. They grow rapidly, small size, early reproduction, and little parental care
• B. They grow slowly, large size, extensive parental care
• C. They exhibit irregular population dynamics with unpredictable cycles
• D. They exhibit rapid growth, small size, high reproductive rate, and minimal parental care

Answer: (D)

r-selected populations are characterized by a strategy that favors rapid population growth through high reproductive output, especially in variable or transient environments. Individuals are typically small, reach sexual maturity quickly, produce many offspring, and provide little parental care. This approach prioritizes quantity of offspring over the survival of any one individual.

The statement that best fits this pattern lists fast growth, small size, a high reproductive rate, and minimal parental care, which together describe the r-selected strategy accurately. The other options mix traits more typical of the opposite, K-selected strategy (large size and extensive parental care), or mention dynamics that aren’t defining features of r-selection, or omit the emphasis on high reproductive rate.