r-selection A selection for maximizing the intrinsic rate of increase (r) of an organism so that when favourable conditions occur (e.g. in a newly formed habitat) the species concerned can rapidly colonize the area. Such species are opportunists (see fugitive species). An opportunist strategy is advantageous in rapidly changing environments, as in the early stages of a succession. See also bet-hedging, biotic potential, and population explosion; compare K-selection.

r-selection Selection for maximizing the biotic potential (r) of an organism so that when favourable conditions occur (e.g. in a newly formed habitat) the species concerned can rapidly colonize the area. Such species are opportunists. An opportunist strategy is advantageous in rapidly changing environments as in the early stages of a succession. See also BET-HEDGING; BIOTIC POTENTIAL; POPULATION EXPLOSION. Compare K-SELECTION.

r-selection A selection for maximizing the intrinsic rate of increase (r) of an organism so that when favourable conditions occur, e.g. in a newly formed habitat, the species concerned can rapidly colonize the area. Such species are opportunists (see FUGITIVE SPECIES). An opportunist strategy is advantageous in rapidly changing environments as in the early stages of a succession. See also BIOTIC POTENTIAL and POPULATION EXPLOSION; compare K-SELECTION.

r-selection The natural selection of those organisms that breed in such a way as to maximize their intrinsic rate of increase (r) so that when favourable conditions occur (e.g. in a newly formed habitat) the species concerned can rapidly colonize the area. Such an opportunist strategy, based on producing large numbers of seeds, spores, eggs, or offspring most of which perish, is advantageous in rapidly changing environments, as in the early stages of a succession. Compare K-SELECTION.