Correct option is A
The correct answer is: (1) intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific competition.
Explanation:
In the classical Lotka-Volterra competition model, stable coexistence between two species is possible when intraspecific competition (competition within a species) is stronger than interspecific competition (competition between species). This situation allows each species to keep its population size in check through competition within its own group, while the interspecific competition (competition between the two species) remains relatively weaker. This dynamic prevents the competitive exclusion of either species and supports the coexistence of both in the same environment.
Intraspecific competition refers to competition among individuals of the same species for limited resources such as food, space, and mates.
Interspecific competition involves competition between individuals of different species for the same resources.
When intraspecific competition is stronger, each species is held in check by its own population pressure, which allows for better coexistence with the other species, as they are not competing as intensely with each other.
Additional Information:
Option 2: "Intraspecific competition is weaker than interspecific competition" is incorrect because this would lead to one species outcompeting the other, reducing the likelihood of stable coexistence.
Option 3: "Inter- and intra-specific competitive effects are balanced" would ideally allow coexistence, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee it if one species has a competitive advantage, so it’s not as effective as stronger intraspecific competition in this context.
Option 4: "Interspecific effects are offset by demographic stochasticity" is an unrealistic scenario for stable coexistence since stochastic events don’t consistently maintain balance in competitive interactions.
