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Chapter 17: Problem 2

The number of tree species that occur in a hectare of equatorial rain forest in eastern Africa can exceed \(250 .\) In contrast, the number of tree species occurring in a hectare of tropical woodland in southern Africa rarely exceeds three. In which forest community (rain forest or woodland) do you think diffuse competition would be the most prevalent? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Diffuse competition is more prevalent in the equatorial rainforest in eastern Africa due to its high biodiversity and a larger number of tree species competing for limited resources.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding diffuse competition

Diffuse competition is a form of indirect competition that occurs between different species within the same ecosystem. The competition is for limited resources like space, light, water, and nutrients, which forces each species to adapt and be efficient in their resource allocation. The more the number of species, the more diffuse competition is expected.
02

Comparing the number of species in both forest communities

According to the given data, the number of tree species in equatorial rainforest in eastern Africa is greater than 250, while in tropical woodland in southern Africa, it rarely exceeds three. Hence, there are more species in equatorial rainforest as compared to tropical woodland.
03

Determining the prevalence of diffuse competition in both communities

Since the number of tree species is much higher in the equatorial rainforest in eastern Africa, the competition for limited resources would be more intense here than in the tropical woodland of southern Africa where there are significantly fewer tree species. Hence, diffuse competition would be more prevalent in the equatorial rainforest in eastern Africa.
04

Reasoning for the prevalence of diffuse competition in the equatorial rainforest

The prevalence of diffuse competition in the equatorial rainforest is due to the high number of coexisting tree species, forcing each species to adapt and compete for limited resources more efficiently. Moreover, the rainforest is known for its high biodiversity and dense vegetation, providing a suitable environment for higher competition. On the contrary, tropical woodland has a lower tree density and fewer species, resulting in less competition. In conclusion, diffuse competition is more prevalent in the equatorial rainforest in eastern Africa due to its high biodiversity and a larger number of tree species competing for limited resources.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What defines the fundamental niche of a species? How does this impact community structure?

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Using Chapter 6 (Sections 6.11 and 6.12 ) as your resource, what characteristics might enable a plant species (species 1 ) to tolerate low soil nutrient availability? How might these characteristics limit the maximum growth rates under high soil nutrient conditions? Conversely, what characteristics might enable a plant species \((\text {species } 2)\) to maintain high growth rates under high soil nutrient availability? How might these characteristics limit the plant species' ability to tolerate low soil nutrient conditions? Now predict the outcome of competition between species 1 and 2 in two plant communities, one with low soil nutrients and the other with abundant nutrients. Discuss in terms of tolerance and competition.

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