Final answer:
To examine the theory that competition is harmful to lion prides, Brian could monitor the effects of expelled mature male lions on pride dynamics and allele frequencies, and analyze the impact of interspecific competition with predators like cheetahs on pride success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brian can test the theory that competition among lions is harmful to a pride by observing and analyzing two main actions:
- Monitoring the male lions when they reach sexual maturity and are expelled from the pride, to see how this affects the pride's dynamics and the allele frequencies within the lion population.
- Studying patterns of interspecific competition, particularly between lions and other predators like cheetahs, to assess the direct and indirect impacts on the pride's success and on the broader ecosystem.
- By comparing prides with high male competition versus prides with lower levels of competition, Brian can draw conclusions about the effects of competitive behaviors on pride health and success.