Which situation is an example of interspecific competition? (1 point)
A. a snake and fox hunting mice
B. alligators hunting fish
C. bacteria living in the human colon
D. maple tree seedlings competing for sunlight
Option D, maple tree seedlings competing for sunlight, is an example of interspecific competition.
To determine which situation is an example of interspecific competition, we need to understand what interspecific competition means. Interspecific competition refers to competition between different species for the same resources, such as food, space, or sunlight.
Let's analyze each situation:
A. A snake and a fox hunting mice: This scenario involves two different species (snake and fox) competing for the same resource (mice). Therefore, it represents interspecific competition.
B. Alligators hunting fish: In this case, we have alligators hunting fish. Both the alligators and the fish are different species, and they are competing for the resource of fish. Hence, this also demonstrates interspecific competition.
C. Bacteria living in the human colon: This situation involves bacteria living in the human colon. Although there may be various bacterial species present, they are typically not in direct competition for the same resources. Instead, they tend to fill different ecological niches within the colon. Therefore, this example does not represent interspecific competition.
D. Maple tree seedlings competing for sunlight: In this scenario, maple tree seedlings are competing for sunlight. Although they are all part of the same species (maple trees), they are still competing for the same resource (sunlight). Consequently, this situation does not demonstrate interspecific competition, but rather intraspecific competition.
By comparing the examples with the definition of interspecific competition, we can conclude that options A and B are both examples of interspecific competition.