In a Simple Laboratory Experiment, a Researcher Maintained Two Different

question 38

Multiple Choice

In a simple laboratory experiment, a researcher maintained two different species of single-celled protists, Paramecium caudatum and Paramecium aurelia . He recorded population growth of each species individually and then mixed a similar number of individuals from each population and recorded their growth rates when living together. The graphs below represent the results of this experiment.

Based on the graph of the mixed culture, what is happening?

• A) formation of a dominance hierarchy
• B) interspecific competition
• C) resource partitioning
• D) an increase in species diversity

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Definitions:

Total Cost

The complete sum of all expenses incurred in the production of goods or services, including both fixed and variable costs.

Normal Profit

The minimum amount of profit required for a company to remain competitively active in the market; it is also the break-even point for a business.

Identical Firms

Companies within the same industry or market that offer products or services indistinguishable from one another to consumers.

Economic Profit

The difference between total revenue and total costs, including both explicit and implicit costs, reflecting the actual profitability of a firm beyond accounting profit.