Which of the Following Statements About Competition is True

Question

Which of the following statements about competition is true?
A) Compared to plants or animals, competition between microorganisms is a rare event.
B) The principle of competitive exclusion suggests that two organisms in competition will eventually reach a stable equilibrium, where both organisms can coexist and survive.
C) A commensial relationship is an example of competition.
D) If you take an environmental sample, and find numerous microbial species within that sample, it suggests that none of these species are in competition with each other.
E) Compared to animals and plants, the resolution of competition between microorganisms is rapid.

Accepted Answer

Compared to animals and plants, the resolution of competition between microorganisms is rapid. Microorganisms have short generation times and can rapidly adapt to changes in the environment, allowing them to outcompete other species. This leads to less stable equilibrium and more rapid resolution of competition. Choice A is incorrect because competition between microorganisms is common due to their high abundance and diversity. Choice B is incorrect because the principle of competitive exclusion suggests that only one species will survive in a given niche. Choice C is incorrect because commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship that does not involve competition. Choice D is incorrect because the presence of multiple microbial species in an environmental sample does not necessarily indicate the absence of competition.