Question

Before running the simulation: Based solely on differences in the initial population sizes of the two lizards, is there evidence for competition between the two species?

1) Yes. S. Merriami is more abundant than U. ornatus, so S. erriai is probably competitively superior
2) Yes. Both species naturally occur together, so they must be competing with stable coexistence
3) The evidence suggests they do not compete, because they naturally coexist
4) No. Evidence for competition is not provided by population sizes

Answer 1

Interspecific competition occurs when individuals of different species compete for a limited resource in the same area. In this scenario, the more abundant lizard species is likely competitively superior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Interspecific competition occurs when individuals of different species compete for a limited resource in the same area. In this scenario, the two species of lizards are experiencing interspecific competition. The fact that one species, S. Merriami, is more abundant than the other, U. ornatus, suggests that S. Merriami is competitively superior and has an advantage in obtaining the limited resources. Therefore, the answer to the question is:

1) Yes. S. Merriami is more abundant than U. ornatus, so S. erriai is probably competitively superior