The Theory of Island Biogeography is a 1967 book by the ecologist Robert MacArthur and the biologist Edward O. Wilson. It is widely regarded as a seminal work in island biogeography and ecology. The P
Cover of the first edition
R/K selection theory
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The r/K selection theory is an evolutionary hypothesis examining the selection of traits in an organism that trade off between quantity and quality of offspring. Species which produce more offspring a
The Theory of Island Biogeography
…that insular biota maintain a dynamic equilibrium between immigration and extinction rates. The book also popularized the concepts and terminology of r/K selection theory. The Theory of Island Biogeography has its roots in Wilson's work on the ants of Melanesia. MacArthur synthesized Wilson's ideas about competition…
North Atlantic right whale with solitary calf. Whale reproduction follows K-selection strategy, with few offspring, long gestation, long parental care, and a long period until sexual maturity.
A litter of rats with their mother. The reproduction of rats follows an r-selection strategy, with many offspring, short gestation, less parental care, and a short time until sexual maturity. The same applies to mice.
A bald eagle, an individual of a typical K-strategist species. K-strategists have longer life expectancies, produce fewer offspring, and when young tend to be altricial, require extensive care by parents.