Stable population growth is typically a characteristic of which type of species?

Stable population growth is a characteristic primarily associated with K-selected species. These species tend to thrive in environments where resources are limited and competition for those resources is intense. K-selected species usually have lower reproductive rates but invest a significant amount of energy into raising their offspring, leading to higher survival rates. This strategy allows them to maintain stable populations over time, adapting well to stable environments where the population size tends to approach the carrying capacity of the habitat.

In contrast, R-selected species typically exhibit rapid growth and reproduction rates, often leading to population fluctuations rather than stability. Semelparous species reproduce only once in their lifetime, which does not inherently relate to stable population growth as it can lead to population declines after breeding events. Seasonal iteroparous species, while they may reproduce at different times throughout the year, can still face fluctuations in population numbers due to environmental factors. Thus, the traits of K-selected species are specifically aligned with stability in population growth.