K-selected species are typically defined by which of the following traits?

K-selected species are characterized by traits that promote stability and success in environments where population sizes are near carrying capacity. One of the primary characteristics of K-selected species is a large body size. This larger size often allows these species to have fewer natural predators and better survival rates due to increased robustness.

Additionally, K-selected species tend to produce few offspring, which is crucial for increasing the likelihood that those offspring will survive to adulthood. By investing more energy and resources into raising a smaller number of young, these species ensure that their offspring have a higher chance of reaching reproductive maturity.

This reproductive strategy contrasts sharply with r-selected species, which typically have fast-paced life cycles, small sizes, high reproductive rates, and less parental investment. In ecosystems where resources are limited and competition is high, K-selected traits are advantageous because they increase the likelihood of survival in stable environments. The larger size and lower number of offspring lead to a greater focus on quality over quantity, which is essential for thriving in environments where carrying capacity plays a significant role in population dynamics.