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The Temperate Deciduous Forest: K-Selected and R-Selected Species


Alyssa Nucci 
AP Biology-4
The Temperate Deciduous Forest: 
K-Selected and R-Selected Species 












       K-selected species are species whose populations fluctuate at or near the carrying capacity of the environment. K-selected species have relatively stable populations and produce low numbers of offspring, therefore are density dependent. These species are characterized by long gestation periods, slow maturation, and long life spans. K-selected species tend to live in stable biological communities like forests. Examples of K-selected species include the American black bear, red fox, and white-tailed deer. 













       R-selected species are species whose populations are defined by their biotic potential, meaning their maximum reproductive capacity. These species produce high numbers of offspring, require short gestation periods, mature quickly, and have short life spans. R-selected species are able to reproduce at a younger age, however many offspring die before they reach this age because they are given little to no parental care. These types of species thrive in disturbed habitats, for example burned grasslands of forests. In these environments R-selected species are able to sustain themselves on unused resources like nutrients, sunlight, and living space. Examples of R-selected species include the white-tailed squirrel, Eastern chipmunk, and the carpenter bee. 


 “Carpenter Bees (Department of Entomology).” Department of Entomology (Penn State University), ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/carpenter-bees.

“Eastern Chipmunk - Tamias Striatus - NatureWorks.” New Hampshire PBS, nhpbs.org/natureworks/chipmunk.htm.

https://www.britannica.com/science/K-selected-species

Rafferty, John P. “R-Selected Species.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/science/r-selected-species.


 Sartore, Joel. “Red Fox.” National Geographic, 21 Sept. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/r/red-fox/.

 “White-Tailed Deer.” NatureMapping, naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/white-tailed_deer_k6.html.

 Wise About Bears, wiseaboutbears.org/about-us/bear-the-species/.

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