What is a defining trait of equilibrium species?

Equilibrium species are characterized by traits that promote stability in their populations over time. One defining trait is long life spans. These species tend to have a slower pace of life and invest more in raising fewer offspring to maturity, resulting in a stable population size. The extended lifespan allows these species to reach reproductive maturity gradually and potentially reproduce multiple times over their lifetime.

The focus on longevity supports survival in stable environments where competition and predation pressures are balanced, enabling them to thrive over longer periods. In contrast, species with high reproductive rates often belong to opportunistic strategies, which can lead to population fluctuations in response to environmental changes. Additionally, infrequent nurturing and high mobility do not characterize equilibrium species, as these groups typically provide significant parental care and exhibit limited movement compared to species adapted to exploit transient environments.