K selection

K selection

or

K-selection

(kā′sĭ-lĕk′shən)

n.

A form of selection that occurs in an environment at or near carrying capacity, favoring a reproductive strategy in which few offspring are produced.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

K selection

selection proceeding in such a way as to maximize K and reduce R, so optimizing the use of environmental resources without expending excess energy in converting food into offspring.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005