Medium sized intertidal boulders are tumbled about by waves less than small boulders but more than large boulders.They also show the greatest diversity of intertidal invertebrates inhabiting them compared to small and large boulders.This illustrates the ____________________________ hypothesis.
A) Cascade effect.
B) Predator mediated coexistence.
C) Niche width
D) Intermediate disturbance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation that medium sized intertidal boulders have a different level of disturbance compared to small and large boulders, and have the greatest diversity of intertidal invertebrates, suggests the Intermediate disturbance hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that intermediate levels of disturbance (in this case, wave action) can create and maintain higher levels of biodiversity by preventing dominant species from monopolizing resources and allowing for colonization by new species.

Medium Sized Intertidal Boulders Are Tumbled About by Waves Less