Question

Scientists study an ecosystem devastated by drought and observe the interactions of organisms in relation to food, light, water and mates. Which hypothesis statement relates to the investigation?
a If the drought continues to increase, then competition will decrease.


b If available resources decrease, then competition will increase.


c If available resources remain constant, then competition will decrease.


d If available resources increase, then competition will increase.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - b. If available resources decrease, then competition will increase.

All living organisms in an ecosystem are specialized in accordance to the living conditions and the food sources available. If a given ecosystem experiences prolonged drought, than the resources will decrease. With a decrease in resources, the living organisms will find themselves in a situation of scarcity. That will lead to a much increased competition, with both organisms of different species, and members of the same species. That will most likely lead to a situation where only the fittest will survive, while the weaker members of the species will probably die in that period of prolonged drought as they will not be able to get the resources they need to survive.