In the Lotka-Volterra competition equations, if $\alpha$₂₁ 1, then A) the population growth rate of species 2 is reduced equally by individuals of either species 1 or species 2. B) the population growth rate of species 2 is reduced more by each individual of species 2 than by each individual of species 1. C) the population growth rate of species 2 is reduced more by each individual of species 1 than by each individual of species 2. D) We would also have to know the value of K₂ to decide which of the above is true. E) We cannot tell from the parameters of the equation which of the choices is true.

Question

In the Lotka-Volterra competition equations, if $\alpha$₂₁ > 1, then A) the population growth rate of species 2 is reduced equally by individuals of either species 1 or species 2. B) the population growth rate of species 2 is reduced more by each individual of species 2 than by each individual of species 1. C) the population growth rate of species 2 is reduced more by each individual of species 1 than by each individual of species 2. D) We would also have to know the value of K₂ to decide which of the above is true. E) We cannot tell from the parameters of the equation which of the choices is true.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term F1F1F1S1F1F1F10₂₁ represents the effect of species 1 on species 2. If this term is greater than 1, it means that the effect of species 1 is stronger than the intrinsic growth rate of species 2. Therefore, each individual of species 1 can have a greater impact in reducing the population growth rate of species 2 compared to each individual of species 2. This supports choice C. The value of K₂ does not affect the conclusion, so choice D is not correct.

In the Lotka-Volterra Competition Equations, If α\alphaα 21 > 1, Then A) the Population Growth Rate of Then

In the Lotka-Volterra Competition Equations, If $\alpha$ ₂₁ > 1, Then
A) the Population Growth Rate of Then