Which reproductive strategy is characterized by fewer offspring that require more parental care?

The reproductive strategy characterized by fewer offspring that require more parental care is known as k-selection. This strategy applies to species that typically produce a small number of offspring but invest significant time and resources in nurturing and raising them. The focus of k-selected species is on quality rather than quantity, leading them to thrive in environments where competition for resources is high and survival rates of offspring can be improved through extended parental care.

These species often have longer gestation periods, slower growth rates, and tend to reach sexual maturity later compared to r-selected species, which prioritize producing many offspring with less investment in each. The k-selection approach is advantageous in stable environments where it is crucial to ensure that the few offspring born have a higher chance of survival into adulthood. This strategic focus on fewer offspring with greater parental involvement leads to more successful long-term population stability in specific ecological niches.