Question

An area has a high population density of rabbits. This high density of rabbit population can lead to which type of population interaction from the options given below.

• A. Predation
• B. Interspecific competition
• C. Intraspecific competition
• D. Mutualism

Answer 1

The correct option is C Intraspecific competition

Competition is a type of population interaction where both species are harmed. The fitness of one species is significantly lower in the presence of another species, mainly due to rivalry between them for obtaining the same resource.

It is of two types:

1. Intraspecific competition is competition between individuals of the same species
2. Interspecific competition is competition between individuals of different species

In the given question, since the population density of rabbits is high, they will eventually compete among themselves for the available resources (food, shelter, etc.) Hence, it will lead to intraspecific competition. So the correct answer is option c.

Predation is a type of population interaction where organisms belonging to one species (the predator), captures, kills and eats organisms belonging to another species (its prey). One organism is harmed while the other one is benefitted in this type of population interaction. E.g: Tiger preys on deer

Mutualism is a type of population interaction that confers benefits to both the interacting species. For example, in mycorrhiza, the green plant provides food to the fungus and the fungus helps the plant in absorbing water and minerals from soil.