Ecology

K-Strategist

A species adapted for stable environments near carrying capacity. Characterized by few large offspring, extensive parental care, long lifespans, and strong competitive ability.

Used in the Books

This term appears in 1 chapter:

Foundations Natural Selection

"r-strategists: many offspring, low parental investment, adapted to unstable environments (insects, rodents, many plants). K-strategists: few offspring, high parental investment, adapted to stable environments (elephants, whales, primates)."

Biological Context

The 'K' refers to carrying capacity. Elephants, whales, and humans are K-strategists. They invest heavily in each offspring to ensure survival in competitive environments. K-strategists are vulnerable to population decline because they reproduce slowly.

Business Application

Enterprises often follow K-strategy: launch fewer products, invest heavily in each, protect existing positions, bet on quality and relationships. Low volume, high investment per attempt.

Related Terms

r-Strategist Carrying Capacity

Tags

ecologylife-historyreproduction