Why are \(r\)-selected species more likely to experience "overshoot and crash" population growth cycles compared with \(K\)-selected species?

The concepts of r-selected and K-selected species come from the r/K selection theory in ecology, which explains how different species adapt to their environments based on their reproductive and survival strategies. r-selected species are those that prioritize rapid reproduction and high growth rates, and they typically live in highly variable or disturbed environments. They produce many offspring with a relatively low survival rate. Examples of r-selected species include bacteria, insects, and small mammals like rodents. K-selected species, on the other hand, are characterized by stable environments, slower reproductive rates, and fewer offspring but with a higher survival rate. These species tend to invest more in the care and survival of their offspring. Examples of K-selected species include large mammals like elephants, whales, and primates. Now, let's examine how these strategies affect their population growth cycles.

Overshoot and crash population growth cycles occur when a species experiences a rapid increase in population (overshoot) followed by a sudden decline (crash). These events can be influenced by factors like resource availability and the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.

r-selected species are more likely to experience overshoot and crash population growth cycles because of their rapid reproductive rates and high number of offspring. In times of abundant resources, r-selected species can quickly produce a large number of offspring, leading to a rapid increase in population size. However, this rapid increase in population size often exceeds the carrying capacity of the ecosystem, leading to a sharp decline in resources. As a result, the high number of offspring and the lack of parental care make it difficult for their population to sustain itself. Consequently, the population experiences a sharp decline or crash as resources become depleted and many individuals die off.

Compared to r-selected species, K-selected species have more stable population growth cycles and are less prone to overshoot and crash cycles. This is because they reproduce more slowly and invest more in the survival of their offspring. These reproductive strategies allow their populations to maintain a relatively stable size around the carrying capacity of their environment. This stability allows K-selected species to better manage and allocate resources more efficiently, reducing the risk of overshoot and population crashes. In conclusion, r-selected species are more likely to experience overshoot and crash population growth cycles due to their rapid reproductive rates, high numbers of offspring, and a relatively low investment in each offspring's survival. On the other hand, K-selected species have more stable population growth cycles because they reproduce more slowly, invest more in their offspring, and maintain populations closer to the carrying capacity of their environment.