Question

An example of exploitative competition is
A) A woodpecker and a wren
B) A sturgeon and a minnow
C) A mouse and a mole
D) A lichen and a rock
E) Mistletoe and a tree

Answer 1

Hint: Competition refers to that interaction of two organisms in which they strive for the same resource. This relationship is considered as detrimental to both the competing species and is, therefore, a negative species interaction.

Complete answer: Exploitative competition is a type of competition, in which two species interact indirectly and consume scarce resources.
a) A woodpecker and a wren: The relationship or interaction between a woodpecker and a wren is an exploitative competition. The woodpecker destroys the nests of the wren which has made them remodel their nests.
b) A sturgeon and a minnow: The relationship or interaction between a sturgeon and a minnow is competitive exclusion. The species of the sturgeon are on the decline due to the minnow as they compete for the same resources.
c) A mouse and a mole: The relationship or interaction between a mouse and a mole is competitive coexistence. Both the organisms present in any area compete for the food but eliminate their competition by changing their foraging patterns.
d) A lichen and a rock: The relationship or interaction between a lichen and a rock is commensalism. This is because the lichen grows on the surface of the rock and derives nutrition from it. The rock has no benefit or loss from the growth of the lichen.
e) Mistletoe and a tree: The relationship or interaction between mistletoe and a tree is parasitic. This is because the mistletoe is a small evergreen shrub that sends out its roots into the branches of the trees and derives nutrition from them.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Competition can usually take two forms. These two forms are competitive exclusion and competitive co-existence. As the name suggests in competitive exclusion, one species is usually excluded and subsequently eliminated as a result of competition. On the other hand in competitive coexistence the species that are competing learn to thrive together.