Question

the extermination of wolves in yellowstone national park had unforeseen effects on the parks ecosystem. for example, the population of aspen trees was dramatically reduced by the elk in the absence of wolf populations, and then beavers had less food. this is an example of which of the following? mutualism commensalism exploitative competition interference competition

Explanation:

• Mutualism: A relationship where both species benefit. Not the case here as one species (elk) harms another (aspen) and indirectly affects beavers.
• Commensalism: One species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. Doesn't fit as aspen is harmed.
• Exploitative competition: Indirect competition where one species reduces a resource (aspen trees) that another species (beavers) depends on. Elk consume aspen (reducing its availability), beavers (which rely on aspen) are affected.
• Interference competition: Direct physical or behavioral interaction to exclude others from resources. No direct interaction described here.

Answer:

exploitative competition