Which example best illustrates interference competition?
A) Soil levels of potassium are gradually reduced by the hemlocks and cedars in a climax forest.
B) The growth of starling populations usually coincides with declines in songbirds because both use abandoned cavities for nesting.
C) When larger animals become scarce, wolves often prey on mice, reducing their availability to coyotes.
D) Rough-skinned newts contain enough toxin in their skin glands to kill almost any predator.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interference competition occurs when one species directly interferes with the ability of another species to utilize a resource. In this case, both starlings and songbirds compete for nest cavities, and the presence of an abundant starling population interferes with the ability of songbirds to successfully nest. Option A describes resource competition, where two or more species compete for a limited resource. Option C describes predator-prey interactions, and Option D describes predator deterrence.

Which Example Best Illustrates Interference Competition