As you study two closely related predatory insect species, the two-spot and the three-spot avenger beetles, you notice that each species seeks prey at night when present in an area where the other beetle species is absent. However, where their ranges overlap, the two-spot avenger beetle hunts at night and the three-spot hunts in the morning. When you bring them into the laboratory and isolate the two different species, you discover that the offspring of both species are found to be nocturnal. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this scientific evidence?
A) the two-spot beetle species may be competitively displacing the three-spot beetle species
B) the three-spot beetle species may be competitively displacing the two-spot beetle species
C) the two beetle species do not compete for prey when sharing an area
D) the two beetle species prefer to feed during the daytime

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The evidence suggests competitive displacement because when both species are present in the same area, they alter their feeding times to avoid competition, indicating that in their natural environment, they compete for the same resources (nocturnal prey). The fact that both species revert to nocturnal behavior when isolated in the laboratory supports the idea that competition influences their feeding times in shared habitats.

As You Study Two Closely Related Predatory Insect Species, the Two-Spot