Question

in a particular woodland community, two species of rodents coexist: mice and chipmunks. Both species compete for the same kinds of seeds and nuts. a species of owl that also lives in this woodland community preys on both rodent species. The population sizes of all three species remained fairly constant until several years ago, when the introduction of a parasite dramatically reduced the owl population.the owl population remained low for the next few years as a result.following the initial reduction in the owl population, there was a dramatic increase in the mouse population and a dramatic

Answer 1

decrease in the chipmunk population. Based on these observations,describe the role of the owl in this community and discuss the interspecific competition between chipmunks and mice.

Answer 2

Ok, so if you take the owl out, the population of mouse explodes and the chipmunks are also reduced. In an ideal ecosystem, both mice (substituted by "1") and chipmunks (substituted by "2") should explode. But that isn't the case. Either way, the owl could be described as a "limiting factor" for the rodents.

Answer 3

Now, since the rodents have free reign over the area, competition decides which of the two species will survive. Now, in this situation, 1 flourishes while 2 dies out. This can be explained most generally as 1 has an overall higher fitness and therefore can get resources and such more readily, which takes away from available resources for 2. Does that make sense in any realm of understanding?

Answer 4

@EGaddIndustries yes that makes sense thank you

Answer 5

You're welcome! :)