What strategy do opportunistic species that exploit abundant resources use?

Opportunistic species that exploit abundant resources typically employ r-selection strategies. This strategy is characterized by high reproductive rates, rapid growth, and the ability to quickly colonize new environments. r-selected species thrive in unstable or unpredictable environments where resources are plentiful, such as after disturbances or in newly available habitats. Their reproductive strategy emphasizes quantity over quality, leading to the production of many offspring in a short amount of time, which increases the chances that some will survive in a fluctuating environment. This allows them to take advantage of temporary surges in resources before competition increases or conditions change.

In contrast, k-selection involves species that invest more time and resources in fewer offspring, focusing on survival in stable environments where carrying capacity is a significant factor. Altruism refers to behaviors that benefit others at a cost to oneself and is not directly related to resource exploitation strategies. Symbiosis involves interactions between different species that are often beneficial and does not directly pertain to strategies for exploiting resources in a fluctuating environment. Thus, r-selection is the most appropriate answer for opportunistic species utilizing abundant resources.