Which of the following is an r-strategist?

• A) Human
• B) Insect
• C) Rhinoceros
• D) Whale

In ecology, r-strategists are species that tend to produce a large number of offspring with relatively low parental care. They thrive in unstable environments where the chances of survival for individual offspring are low. Among the options provided, the correct answer is:

Answer: B) Insect

Insects typically reproduce in large numbers and have shorter life cycles, making them classic examples of r-strategists. In contrast, humans, rhinoceroses, and whales are more likely to invest significant time and resources into raising fewer offspring, which aligns them more with K-strategists.

Characteristics of r-strategists:

• High reproductive rates
• Minimal parental care
• Short life spans
• Rapid population growth

This strategy allows r-strategists to quickly exploit available resources and adapt to changing environments.