Question

The use of the same limiting resource by two species is called: a. brood parasitism. b. interference competition. c. exploitative competition. d. mutualism. e. optimal foraging.

Short answer

The use of the same limiting resource by two species is called exploitative competition (option c).

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing the terms

To answer this question, it's important to know what each term means: \n a. Brood parasitism is a form of competition where an organism relies on others to raise its offspring. \n b. Interference competition occurs when individuals interact directly by fighting for resources. \n c. Exploitative competition occurs when individuals indirectly interact by consuming a common resource. \n d. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit. \n e. Optimal foraging is the concept that animals will maximize their resources by balancing the costs and benefits.

Choose the correct term

In this case, the appropriate term for the use of the same limiting resource by two species is exploitative competition. This is because with exploitative competition, both species are trying to make use of the same resource, and the competition is indirect rather than direct.