bet-hedging The behavioural response of a species population to a K-selecting environment in which occasional fluctuations in conditions affect the mortality rate of juveniles to a much greater extent than of adults. In such a situation adults release young into several different environments to maximize the chance that some will survive. See also K-selection and r-selection.

bet-hedging The behavioural response of a species population to a K-selecting environment in which occasional fluctuations in conditions affect the mortality rate of juveniles to a much greater extent than of adults. In such a situation adults release young into several different environments to maximize the chance that some will survive. See also K-SELECTION; r-SELECTION.