Question

Which one of the following statements cannot be connected to Predation?

• A. It helps in maintaining species diversity in a community
• B. It might lead to extinction of a species
• C. Both the interacting species are negatively impacted
• D. It is necessitated by nature to maintain the ecological balance

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Solution:

In the context of ecological interactions, Predation describes a relationship where one species, the predator, feeds on another species, the prey. This interaction has several important implications:

• Maintaining Species Diversity: Predation helps to regulate prey populations, which can prevent any single species from dominating the ecosystem. This, in turn, supports species diversity by allowing multiple species to coexist within a community.
• Possible Extinction of Species: Although it's not common, predation can lead to the extinction of prey species, especially if they have no effective defenses or the predator population grows too large.
• Ecological Balance: Predation plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling population sizes and transferring energy up the food chain.

The incorrect statement here is: "Both the interacting species are negatively impacted."

Explanation: Predation does not negatively impact both species involved. Instead, the predator benefits from gaining energy and nutrients by consuming the prey. This statement is more characteristic of competition, where both interacting species could experience negative effects due to fighting over the same resources.