Question

What are opportunistic species?

Answer 1

We also remember that opportunistic organisms have the potential to change their growth rate, physiology, or behavior in response to changing environmental conditions. This opportunistic reaction is usually achieved without changing the genotype, in which case it is referred to as phenotypic plasticity.

Complete answer
We must know that the adapted to exploit newly available habitats or resources, opportunistic animals and plants are usually found in volatile, transient, and variable environments. Clear-cut woods, for example, produce well-lit open areas that are quickly colonized by the windbone seeds of opportunistic plant species, many of which are considered weeds by farmers and gardeners. In addition to producing easily distributed seeds, opportunistic species have a rapid growth rate, allowing them to rapidly develop themselves in a new environment. Other characteristics of opportunistic species include early reproduction, a small body size, and the production of large numbers of seeds or offspring.

Additional Information:
We must remember that R-selected or opportunistic organisms have high growth rates, produce a large number of offspring, and have a poor chance of survival for those offspring. These species are known for having little parental care and reproducing frequently.
Bacteria, many plants, and most insects are examples.
Mammals such as humans, dolphins, and rhinos are examples of k-selected animals.

Note:
We also discuss the other characteristics of opportunistic species include early reproduction, a small body size, and the production of large numbers of seeds or offspring, a technique known to ecologists as r-selection. During the early stages of ecological succession, when species that are more successful in the long run are scarce, opportunistic species are most prevalent.