Kangaroos of Australia fill a niche very similar to that of the deer in North Am
ID: 254654 • Letter: K
Question
Kangaroos of Australia fill a niche very similar to that of the deer in North America. If a population of deer from North America were introduced to Australia, the kangaroos and the deer would be in direct competition for many resources Based on what you have learned about competition, competitive exclusion, and introduced species, explain possible scenarios about what might happen between the two populations should they overlap in a particular area. Be sure to support your explanation with specific examples.Explanation / Answer
When two population overlap in particular area, interspecific competition occurs and individuals of different species compete for same resources. eg:- Leopards and lions feed on same prey and can be negatively impacted by presence of others.
In case the resource is limited, then the more capable one is able to utilize more resources and the lowered fecundity results in loss of other species. This is competitive exclusion. eg:- Abingdon tortoise were excluded from Galapagos island by the goats due to their lower grazing rate.
In case of introduced species ( alien or exotic species), the effect can be positive or negative, Sometimes they become invasive if they outcompete native species for certain resources. eg:- Parthenium introduced in California had low water retention but it formed dense strands in its soil and completely removed native species.
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