What are r strategies and k strategies?

r-strategies and K-strategies are two reproductive strategies observed in ecology. r-strategists, like many insects and small animals, produce a large number of offspring with little parental care, focusing on rapid population growth in unstable environments. In contrast, K-strategists, such as elephants and whales, invest more time and resources in raising fewer offspring, which typically leads to higher survival rates in stable environments. These strategies reflect different adaptations to environmental pressures and resource availability.