Question

ecologists sometimes study _____ by studying several different locations at different stages of this process

a. commensalism

b. predation

c. mutualsim

d. competition

e. succession  

Answer 1

The correct option is e (Succession).

Succession is an ecological process where species composition of a location changes over time. During study of succession, ecologists study different location to get idea about species structure. Knowledge about type of flora and fauna present in different locations , helps in knowing about stage of ecological succession. Like if different locations in a given area is dominated by big trees like Mango and banyan along with large animals like Elephants, Tigers (K- selected species), then we can infer that succession in that location has reached climax. On the other hand, if the location is dominated by small insects, lichens, small herbs (r selected species), then, we can conclude that the area is in early stages of succession.

Option a is incorrect As Commensalism is a type of biological interactions, in which one organism is benefited while other remains unaffected. Example- Suckerfish living with Shark. Suckerfish feeds on leftover food of shark. Here, Suckerfish is being benefited but Shark is not being affected.

This relation between two commensals (Suckerfish and Shark) will not change in different locations. So, for study of commensalism there is no need to study different locations at different stages. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option b is incorrect. Predation is also a type of biological interaction where one organism is benefited at the cost of other. For example- Lion preys on Deer. The Lion is being benefited but Deer is being harmed

The relation between predator (lion) and prey (Deer) will not change in different locations. So, for study of predation, there is no need to study different locations at different stages. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C is incorrect. Mutualism is also a type of interaction where both or all (if more than two organisms are interacting) the participants are benefited,

Example- Association of Rhizobium with root of legumes. Rhizobium gets food from plant while plant gets fixed nitrogen.

This relation of mutualistic partners will not change in different locations. So, for study of mutualism there is no need to study different locations at different stages. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D is also incorrect.

Competition is a also a type of biological interaction where two or more organism compete with each other for similar resources. like food, light and space. All the participants are negatively affected by each other's presence. The better one survives while the lesser fit is eliminated

For example- Lion and Tiger compete for same resource prey ( Deer).

The competition will not change in different locations. So, for study of competition, there is no need to study different locations at different stages. Hence, this option is incorrect.