---
title: "K-Selected Species — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "K-selected species are large, long-lived organisms with few offspring and heavy parental care. Learn why they follow Type I/II survivorship curves and face higher extinction risk on the AP Enviro exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/k-selected-species"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# K-Selected Species — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

K-selected species are organisms that have low reproductive rates, produce fewer offspring, and have longer lifespans. They typically inhabit stable environments where resources are consistently available.

## Related Study Guides

- [Unit 3 Overview: Populations](/ap-enviro/unit-3/review/study-guide/EfV46flFCLp1LeI4W1xW)
- [9.9 Endangered Species](/ap-enviro/unit-9/endangered-species/study-guide/nPHB7UlREP5mNGlxRUfD)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Carrying capacity](/ap-enviro/key-terms/carrying-capacity): The maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support sustainably.
- Life history strategy: The overall pattern of growth, development, reproduction, and survival traits exhibited by a species.
- [Keystone species](/ap-enviro/key-terms/keystone-species): A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance, often playing a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance.