Question

A. Why does competition often reduce diversity?

B. Explain how the diversity of a community can be increased by predation and disturbance.

Answer 1

Answer 1

Competition is force that affecting the growth , distribution , and abundance of populations in nature . In competition one species is superior competitor , the other is better able to withstand certain environmental extremes . Competition is a powerful force of natural selection . Genetic variation in a character that influences competition .Competition likely affects species diversity. In the short run , competition should cause a reduction in the number of species

Answer 2

Predation can have a larger effects on prey populations and on community structure . Predators can increase diversity in communities by preying on competitive dominant species

Competition also reducing consumer pressure on foundation species . For example , in rocky intertidal systems of the Pacific Northwestern US , mussels , barnacles , and seaweeds require a hard substrate to grow on , and they compete for space on the rocks . Mussels ( dominant species ) are superior competitors and can exclude all other species within a few years . However , starfish ( keystone species ) preferentially consume mussels , and in doing so , free up space for many other organisms to settle and grow , thus increasing biodiversity within this ecosystem .

Disturbance increases the chance for colonising the habitat by new species .It also increases the invasibility of communities by alien plants