R/K growth describes two qualitatively different stages of growth within biological organisms and whole ecosystems. Starting with what is called the R stage, which is one of growth where most of the resources are used for development and little for maintenance during a period of high growth rate and positive feedback. Before at some stage reaching a mature state where negative feedback starts to limit the growth as the system enters the K stage of development, investing resources in other activities with negative feedback setting in as the system become more mature.