Two prides of lions compete for the same food (antelope). Which scenario would cause a DECREASE in competition amongst lions?
a) a drought reduce the amount of water available
b) a disease kills many of the lions in the population
c) a wildfire kills many antelope
d) an invasive species outcompetes and replaces the antelope
C) a wildfire kills many antelope
The scenario that would cause a decrease in competition amongst lions is:
b) A disease kills many of the lions in the population.
When a disease kills many lions in the population, the overall lion population decreases, resulting in fewer lions competing for the same food resources. As a result, the remaining lions will have less competition for the available food, such as antelopes.
To determine which scenario would cause a decrease in competition among lions for food, we need to think about the factors that influence competition. Competition among lions typically arises when resources like food become limited. Let's evaluate each scenario:
a) A drought reduces the amount of water available: While a drought can lead to a decrease in water, it does not directly affect the availability of food (antelopes) for lions. Therefore, this scenario is unlikely to decrease competition among lions.
b) A disease kills many of the lions in the population: If a disease were to affect and reduce the lion population, the overall competition for food (antelope) would decrease. With a smaller population, there would be fewer lions competing for the same resources. Hence, this scenario can potentially lead to a decrease in competition.
c) A wildfire kills many antelope: If a wildfire were to kill many antelope, it would reduce the number of available food resources for lions. With fewer antelope remaining, the competition among lions for food would likely increase rather than decrease in this scenario.
d) An invasive species outcompetes and replaces the antelope: This scenario involves the introduction of an invasive species that outcompetes and replaces antelope, the main food source for lions. If the antelope population is significantly reduced or replaced, competition among lions for this specific food resource would decrease, as there would no longer be competition with other lions for antelope. Therefore, this scenario is likely to cause a decrease in competition among lions.
Based on the above analysis, the scenario that would cause a DECREASE in competition amongst lions is option (d), where an invasive species outcompetes and replaces the antelope.