Which of the following human traits are typical of K-strategists?

Study for the Environmental Science (ENVS) Test. Review flashcards, multiple choice questions, and get hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam with confidence!

K-strategists are organisms that tend to invest more resources into a smaller number of offspring, enhancing their chances of survival in stable environments. One of the hallmark traits of K-strategists is the long-duration parental care provided to their offspring. This extended care allows the young to develop more fully, increasing their survival rates and their ability to compete successfully in their environment once they mature.

Parental care can take many forms, including nurturing, protection, and teaching survival skills. This investment reflects a strategy where the species prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that the fewer offspring they produce are well-prepared for life. This adaptive behavior is characteristic of species that inhabit environments where resources are limited and competition is high.

In contrast, traits such as the potential for rapid population growth are more typical of r-strategists, who reproduce quickly and in large numbers but invest less in each individual offspring. The ability to outcompete other organisms or relocate and thrive could apply to various life strategies but does not specifically define K-strategists as their primary characteristic is the investment in a longer period of care and development for fewer offspring.

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