K-Selection
Reproductive strategy emphasizing few offspring with high parental investment, adapted to stable environments near carrying capacity. Contrasts with r-selection.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 3 chapters:
"Or whose reproduction strategy (Chapter 5) enabled fast iteration. Selection doesn't reward greatness. It rewards fit. r-Selection vs. K-Selection Ecologists distinguish two reproductive strategies along a spectrum: r-selection (fast and many): Produce many offspring, invest little in each..."
"Competition is brutal - climax communities are the most competitive ecosystems, not the least. Chapter 7's r-selection vs. K-selection maps directly onto succession: - Pioneer stage = r-selection: Fast growth, high mortality, many offspring, low parental investment."
"...rowth for increasing size and capability, reproduction for offspring production), fixed energy budgets requiring trade-off decisions, r-selection vs. K-selection strategies (many offspring with minimal investment in unstable environments vs. few offspring with high investment in stable environments), Y-model o..."
Biological Context
Elephants, whales, and humans are K-selected: few offspring, long development, extensive parental care. K-strategists are adapted to environments where competition is intense and survival depends on individual quality rather than numbers.
Business Application
K-strategy in business: compete on quality, invest heavily in each product/project, succeed through excellence rather than volume. Appropriate in mature, competitive markets.