As you study two closely related predatory insect species,the two-spot and the three-spot avenger beetles,you notice that each species seeks prey at dawn in areas without the other species.However,where their ranges overlap,the two-spot avenger beetle hunts at night,and the three-spot hunts in the morning.When you bring them into the laboratory and isolate the two different species,you discover that the offspring of both species are nocturnal.You have discovered an example of
A)mutualistic interaction.
B)Batesian mimicry.
C)commensalism.
D)resource partitioning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed behavior of the two species in the wild suggests that they are engaging in resource partitioning, where they are avoiding direct competition by using different times of day to hunt for prey. This is reinforced by the fact that when they are isolated in the laboratory, their offspring are nocturnal, indicating that this behavior is genetically controlled. Therefore, D is the best choice, as the other options (mutualistic interaction, Batesian mimicry, and commensalism) do not adequately explain the observed behavior.

As You Study Two Closely Related Predatory Insect Species,the Two-Spot