R-Strategist: Caterpillars

(Term #80: R-strategist)


Definition: R-strategist refers to species that have a lot of offspring but do not spend time or energy raising the individuals. Although many will die, by having many offspring, a few will likely survive to reproduce. 

Explanation: A group of young caterpillars on the underside of a leaf are shown here. Butterflies are r-strategists; they lay a lot of eggs but do not raise their young. Only a few of these caterpillars will metamorphose into adult butterflies. 

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