Final answer:
The interaction between snow geese and caribou in the Arctic tundra over cottongrass can be characterized as interspecific competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Arctic tundra, the interaction between snow geese and caribou, which both consume cottongrass, can be characterized as interspecific competition. This occurs when two species compete for the same limited resource, which can influence their population dynamics and behavior. The Arctic tundra is a biome with limited plant diversity and productivity, especially during the brief summers when temperatures rise and perma frost thaws slightly, allowing for a burst of plant growth. Both snow geese and caribou rely on available vegetation such as cottongrass for sustenance, which leads them into a competitive relationship.