Which reproductive strategy is characterized by producing many offspring with little to no parental care?

The reproductive strategy characterized by producing many offspring with little to no parental care is known as R-selection. This strategy is common in species that reproduce in unstable or unpredictable environments where the chances of survival for individual offspring are low. Therefore, producing a large number of offspring increases the likelihood that at least some will survive to adulthood.

R-selected species tend to invest energy in the quantity of offspring rather than in parental care or in ensuring the survival of each individual offspring. The focus is primarily on reproduction, allowing for rapid population growth. This can be seen in many fish and invertebrate species, which often release vast numbers of eggs into the water without further care, relying on the sheer number to offset high mortality rates.

The concept of R-selection is contrasted with K-selection, where species produce fewer offspring and invest more resources and care into raising each one. Understanding these strategies helps clarify how different organisms adapt to their environments and the trade-offs involved in their reproductive approaches.