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 dawn in areas without the other species. 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. You have discovered an example of
A) mutualism.
B) character displacement.
C) Batesian mimicry.
D) facultative commensalism.
E) resource partitioning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed behavior is an example of resource partitioning, where the two species alter their activity patterns to reduce competition for resources in overlapping areas.

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