What characterizes k-selected species in terms of reproduction?

K-selected species are characterized by their reproductive strategy, which focuses on producing a few offspring but with a high level of parental investment. This approach enhances the chance of survival for each offspring, as more resources and care are allocated to them. These species typically inhabit stable environments where competition for limited resources is high, meaning that offspring need to be well-developed and capable of surviving on their own.

The strategy reflects an adaptation to ensure that each individual offspring has a better chance of reaching maturity, thus contributing to the population stability and longevity. For instance, many mammals exhibit k-selected traits, such as elephants and humans, where the focus is on quality rather than quantity in reproduction. In contrast, other strategies highlight producing many offspring with minimal care or demonstrating rapid maturity and shorter life spans, which are more characteristic of r-selected species.