Question

which symbiotic interaction involves two organisms competing for the same resource, resulting in a negative outcome for both of the species involved in the interaction? competition predation mutualism parasitism

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Competition: Occurs when two organisms compete for the same resource (like food, space), and both species have a negative outcome (e.g., less access to resources).
• Predation: One organism (predator) kills/eats another (prey) – positive for predator, negative for prey.
• Mutualism: Both species benefit (e.g., bees and flowers).
• Parasitism: One species (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host) – positive for parasite, negative for host.

Only competition matches the description of two organisms competing for a resource with negative outcomes for both.

Answer:

A. competition