Question:
Which best compares competition, cooperation, and predation between two organisms?
a. both organisms benefit in cooperation, but only one benefits in predation and competition.
b. both organisms benefit in cooperation and competition, but only one benefits in predation.
c. both organisms benefit in cooperation, only one benefits in predation, and neither benefit in competition.
d. both organisms benefit in competition, only one benefits in cooperation, and neither benefit in predation.
Answer:
b. both organisms benefit in cooperation and competition, but only one benefits in predation.
Explanation:
Cooperation occurs between species that are able to live alone, but that associate with others, exchanging benefits.
<u>Example</u>: crocodiles that live with certain birds (toothpick bird) that feed on the debris and leeches present in its mouth.
Competition usually takes place between two species in a community, disputing for the same resources in the environment. In this case, both benefit interchangeably (and even unpredictably).
<u>Example</u>: plant roots competing for water and nutrients; grasshoppers and cattle competing for grass, etc.
Finally, predation occurs when an animal species captures, kills and eats individuals of another animal species, in other words, its prey. This is a mechanism that regulates the population density of prey and predators.
<u>Example</u>: A lion/lioness who hunts an antelope to feed herself and her young.
