Question

Interactions between organisms and their environment impact the organism’s overall population. The jaguar Panthera onca is the largest cat found in North America. It is found in areas across the Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is a carnivore with powerful jaws and sharp teeth.

Large orange and black spotted cat called a jaguar prowling under trees.
Which concept is shown by the relationship between the jaguar and deer?
a. adaptation
b. competitive exclusion
c. predator-prey
d. niche

Answer 1

The relationship between jaguars and deer exemplifies a predator-prey interaction where jaguars hunt and consume deer, impacting both their populations and the ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between the jaguar and deer is an example of a predator-prey interaction. In this ecological dynamic, the jaguar, as a predator, hunts and consumes deer, which are its prey. This interaction affects not only the population sizes of the two species involved but also has a broader impact on the ecosystem. For instance, fewer jaguars can lead to an overpopulation of deer, and subsequently, overgrazing and alterations to vegetation patterns. Jaguars possess various adaptations such as powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which enable them to be efficient hunters. These singular traits are essential in maintaining the balance between predator and prey populations, and when disrupted, can lead to a cascade of ecological consequences such as a change in vegetation structure and biodiversity.