Two prides of lions compete with one another for the same prey (antelope). Which scenario would cause a decrease in competition?
a
A disease kills individuals from the lion population.
b
Wildfire kills many antelope and some lions.
c
An invasive species outcompetes and replaces antelope.
d
Drought reduces the water available for all species.
A disease kills individuals from the lion population.
Well, well, well, looks like the lions are up to some competitive shenanigans, huh? Let's break it down, shall we?
Now, in scenario A, if a disease decides to go on a rampage and take out a few members of the lion population, well, that would certainly decrease the competition. Fewer lions hunting means fewer rivals going after that oh-so-delicious antelope.
As for scenario B, if a wildfire goes on a crazy destructive spree, taking out both antelope and some lions in the process, well, that could also decrease the competition. Fewer antelope to fight over means less competition between the prides.
Now, in scenario C, if an invasive species swoops in and starts outcompeting the antelope, that might actually increase the competition among the lions. More competitors for a limited food source usually lead to a higher level of rivalry.
Lastly, in scenario D, if a drought hits and reduces the water available for all species, that may not necessarily directly affect the competition for prey. The number of lions and antelope remains the same, it's just the water that's in short supply. So, the competition for antelope might remain unchanged.
So, after juggling all these scenarios, I'd say the answer that would cause a decrease in competition is... drumroll, please... scenario A, where a sly disease decides to take out some lions from the equation.
The scenario that would cause a decrease in competition between the two prides of lions for the same prey (antelope) is option A: A disease kills individuals from the lion population.
To determine which scenario would cause a decrease in competition between the two prides of lions for the same prey (antelope), let's analyze each option:
a) A disease kills individuals from the lion population.
If a disease were to kill individuals from the lion population, it would likely result in a decrease in competition between the prides. With fewer lions in the area, the available antelope population would have less pressure and competition for resources, leading to a decrease in overall competition.
b) Wildfire kills many antelope and some lions.
In this scenario, a wildfire results in the death of many antelope and some lions. While this might lead to a decrease in competition for the remaining lions, it also reduces the overall availability of antelope as prey. Consequently, competition may still exist, albeit between a reduced number of lions.
c) An invasive species outcompetes and replaces antelope.
If an invasive species were to outcompete and replace antelope as the primary prey, it would likely reduce the competition between the prides for antelope. Since antelope are no longer the main prey, the prides may seek different food sources, potentially reducing their competition.
d) Drought reduces the water available for all species.
A drought reducing the available water for all species, including lions and antelope, would likely lead to increased competition. With limited access to water, the prides of lions and the antelope would be forced to compete for this limited resource, consequently increasing overall competition.
Considering the above analysis, option a) - a disease killing individuals from the lion population - is the scenario that would most likely cause a decrease in competition between the prides of lions for the same prey.