Which of the following is a characteristic of K-selected species?

K-selected species are characterized by a reproductive strategy that emphasizes quality over quantity. This typically involves investing significant time and resources into the survival and upbringing of fewer offspring. Extensive parental care is a hallmark of this strategy, as it increases the chances of survival for the offspring, ensuring that they grow to maturity in a competitive environment. This often leads to higher survival rates, allowing for more stable population dynamics over time.

In contrast, characteristics such as high reproductive rates, short lifespan, and early maturity are more common in r-selected species, which focus on producing a large number of offspring with less parental investment. K-selected species, such as elephants and whales, often have longer lifespans, delayed maturity, and lower reproductive rates, aligning with the idea of nurturing the young over producing many with less care. Thus, extensive parental care is the defining trait of K-selected species, as it represents their strategy for enhancing the survival of their young in stable environments.