Question

Large icebergs regularly scrape all biota off the rocky intertidal in Newfoundland. Depending on what larvae/propagules are in the water at the time, rocks are recolonized and dominated by either mussels or seaweeds. In each case, that community is stable until the next disturbance. This likely is an example of:

A.Facilitation
B.Inhibition
C.Tolerance

Answer 1

The example from Newfoundland can be categorized as facilitation if one species promotes the establishment of another, or inhibition if one species prevents the other from establishing until a disturbance occurs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ecological interaction in Newfoundland where large icebergs clear the rocky intertidal area, which is then recolonized by either mussels or seaweeds depending on the available larvae or propagules, represents a case of either facilitation or inhibition. Facilitation occurs if the presence of one species (like seaweeds) increases the chances that a second species (like mussels) can establish. Conversely, inhibition occurs when the presence of one species reduces the ability of another to establish. In this case, if mussels promote the establishment of seaweeds, or vice versa, it's facilitation; if the established community prevents the other from establishing until a disturbance (like an iceberg) clears the space, it's inhibition.