What is a common example of an R-selected species?

R-selected species are characterized by their reproductive strategy, which focuses on producing a large number of offspring with relatively low parental investment. This strategy allows these species to take advantage of unstable or unpredictable environments, where the likelihood of individual offspring survival is lower.

Rats serve as a prominent example of an R-selected species. They typically reproduce quickly, have short gestation periods, and can produce multiple litters in a year, resulting in a high number of offspring. This reproductive strategy increases the chances that at least some of the young will survive, even if many do not due to environmental pressures or predation.

In contrast, other species in the options provided tend to exhibit K-selected traits, where the focus is on producing fewer offspring and investing more time and resources into their care and survival. For instance, tigers, eagles, and gorillas usually have longer gestation periods and invest significant care into fewer young, aligning more closely with K-selection strategies, which function in stable environments where the competition for resources is more intense and parental care enhances survival chances.