Which are the only two interaction types to depend on density and effective defence to determine the short- term impact?
A) mutualism and commensalism
B) consumption and parasitism
C) competition and consumption
D) parasitism and mutualism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Consumption and parasitism are the only two interaction types where density and effective defence determine the short-term impact. In competition, the strength of the impact depends on resource availability and the abilities of the competitors rather than on density and defence. In mutualism and commensalism, both species benefit and are not affected negatively by density or defence, so these factors do not determine their short-term impact. In parasitism, the parasite benefits while the host is harmed, but the strength of the impact is primarily determined by the parasite's ability to infect and exploit the host, not by the host's density or defence. Therefore, the only two interaction types that depend on density and effective defence to determine short-term impact are consumption and parasitism.

Which Are the Only Two Interaction Types to Depend on Density