Which of the following is not a character of r-selected species?

Options

A. Small sized adult
B. Long generation time
C. A high energy allocation to reproduction
D. Maximum population growth

Answer

To determine which of the following is not a character of r-selected species, let's analyze the characteristics of r-selected species:

1. **Definition of r-selected species**: R-selected species are organisms that reproduce quickly and in large numbers. They typically thrive in unstable or unpredictable environments where the chances of offspring survival are low.

2. **Characteristics of r-selected species**:
- **Small-sized adults**: R-selected species tend to be smaller in size, which allows for quicker reproduction.
- **Short generation time**: These species have a short time between generations, enabling them to reproduce rapidly.
- **High energy allocation to reproduction**: A significant amount of energy is directed towards producing a large number of offspring.
- **Maximum population growth**: They aim for high reproductive rates to increase the population size quickly.

3. **Analyzing the options**:
- **Small-sized adult**: This is a characteristic of r-selected species.
- **Long generation time**: This is not a characteristic of r-selected species, as they typically have short generation times.
- **High energy allocation to reproduction**: This is a characteristic of r-selected species.
- **Maximum population growth**: This is a characteristic of r-selected species.

4. **Conclusion**: The option that is not a character of r-selected species is **long generation time**.

Thus, the answer is **long generation time**.