Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, requiring their host cells for replication. Consequently, viruses generally attempt to reproduce as efficiently and quickly as possible in a host. Below is a graph depicting the initial growth pattern of a bacteriophage within a population of E. coli. This reproductive strategy is most similar to which of the following?

(A) An r-strategist, because it aims to produce a large abundance of offspring to ensure survival
(B) A k-strategist, because it aims to produce a large abundance of offspring to ensure survival
(C) An r-strategist, because it is best suited to thrive in stable environments and over a long life span
(D) A k-strategist, because it is best suited to thrive in stable environments and over a long life span

Transcribed Image Text:

Population size 0 Time