Certain species of squirrels and acorn woodpeckers both eat acorns.In forests without squirrels,the density of acorn woodpeckers averages 100 per square kilometer,whereas in forests with squirrels,the density of acorn woodpeckers is roughly halved.This reduced density most probably results from
A) interference competition.
B) herbivory.
C) character displacement.
D) exploitative competition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interference competition occurs when individuals compete directly with one another for resources, such as food or nesting sites. In this case, the presence of squirrels in the forest likely leads to interference competition between acorn woodpeckers and squirrels for access to acorns. This competition likely reduces the density of acorn woodpeckers in the presence of squirrels, as compared to forests without squirrels. Thus, the reduced density of acorn woodpeckers in the presence of squirrels is most likely due to interference competition.

Certain Species of Squirrels and Acorn Woodpeckers Both Eat Acorns