1.Which of the following could be true of two different species that have a competitive relationship in the same ecosystem?
A.One species preys on the other***.
B.The relationship is mutually beneficial.
C.They share the same niche.
D.One species benefits, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A. One species preys on the other - This implies a predator-prey relationship, rather than a competitive relationship. This answer choice is incorrect.
B. The relationship is mutually beneficial - In a competitive relationship, the species compete for the same resources, such as food or territory. Mutual benefit suggests a symbiotic relationship, not a competitive one. This answer choice is incorrect.
C. They share the same niche - In a competitive relationship, two species occupy the same niche, overlapping in their resource requirements. This situation leads to competition for those shared resources. This answer choice is a possibility.
D. One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed - This describes a commensal relationship, where one species benefits without affecting the other. It does not reflect a competitive relationship. This answer choice is incorrect.
Therefore, we can conclude that the correct answer is C, "They share the same niche."