The key life history characteristics of *G. insculpta*, such as delayed maturity and long lifespan, are classic examples of which evolutionary selection strategy?
Answer
K-selection
The life history traits exhibited by the Wood Turtle—specifically its longevity, reaching potential lifespans exceeding 50 years, and its very late sexual maturity, often occurring between 12 and 20 years old—are hallmarks of K-selection. This strategy prioritizes individual survival and successful parental investment within relatively stable environments over producing a massive number of offspring rapidly. This suggests an evolutionary history where surviving long enough to reproduce repeatedly in high-quality, stable riparian habitats provided a greater fitness advantage than rapid population turnover.
Related Questions
What is the modern genus classification for the Wood Turtle, *G. insculpta*, shifting from its historical grouping?Which genus is identified as the sister group to *Glyptemys* in phylogenetic analyses concerning Wood Turtle evolution?The key life history characteristics of *G. insculpta*, such as delayed maturity and long lifespan, are classic examples of which evolutionary selection strategy?What is the typical clutch size range observed when the Wood Turtle nests in sandy or gravelly soils near streams?What specific physical feature characterizes the carapace of the Wood Turtle (*G. insculpta*) distinguishing it morphologically?What critical requirement forces the Wood Turtle's tight coupling to river systems for overwintering?According to an eighteen-year mark-recapture study, what was the approximate annual apparent survival rate recorded for male Wood Turtles?What global conservation status has NatureServe currently assigned to *Glyptemys insculpta*?Why do population declines impact *G. insculpta* so severely despite a relatively wide historical range stretching to Wisconsin and New Brunswick?Besides *G. insculpta*, which other species is recognized as currently existing within the genus *Glyptemys*?