Functionally predation can act on a community to increase diversity.This affect on communities is similar to what we have seen with intermediate _____________.
A) Competition
B) Parasitism
C) Resources
D) Disturbances

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disturbances can create gaps or openings in a community, allowing for new species to colonize and therefore increase diversity. Predation can have a similar effect by selectively removing certain species, creating opportunities for other species to fill the vacant ecological niches. This is known as the "ecological release" hypothesis. However, competition and resource availability do not necessarily increase diversity, as they can lead to dominance by certain species at the expense of others. Parasitism, while potentially affecting population sizes, does not necessarily lead to increased diversity either.

Functionally Predation Can Act on a Community to Increase Diversity