K-selection The selection for maximizing competitive ability, the strategy of equilibrium species. Most typically this is a response to stable environmental resources. This implies selection for low birth rates and high survival rates among the offspring, and prolonged development. K represents the carrying capacity of the environment for species populations showing an S-shaped population growth curve. See S-SHAPED GROWTH CURVE;Compare R-SELECTION.

K-selection Selection for maximizing competitive ability, the strategy of equilibrium species. Most typically it is a response to stable environmental resources. This implies selection for low birth rates, high survival rates among offspring, and prolonged development. K represents the carrying capacity of the environment for species populations showing an S-shaped population-growth curve. See also bet-hedging; compare r-selection.

K-selection Selection for maximizing competitive ability, the strategy of equilibrium species. Most typically it is a response to stable environmental resources. This implies selection for low birth rates, high survival rates among offspring, and prolonged development. K represents the carrying capacity of the environment for species populations showing an S-shaped population-growth curve. See also BET-HEDGING. Compare R-SELECTION.

K-selection Natural selection of those organisms that breed in such a way as to maximize their competitive ability, the strategy of equilibrium species. Most typically it is a response to stable environmental resources. This implies selection for low birth rates, high survival rates among offspring, and prolonged development. K represents the carrying capacity of the environment for species populations showing an S-shaped population-growth curve. Compare R-SELECTION.