IAT IISER2026BiologyOrganisms and Populations
The graphs below depict the number of individuals of two organisms, named P and Q, when grown independently, and together. Based on these growth patterns, which one of the following statements is correct?
Options
- AQ is a predator of P
- BP and Q exhibit mutualism
- CP is a parasite of Q
- DQ is a commensal of P
Correct answer
A. Q is a predator of P
Step-by-step solution
Based on the given graphs, we can analyze the population dynamics of organisms P and Q: 1. When grown independently, both P and Q exhibit standard logistic growth, eventually reaching their respective carrying capacities. 2. When grown together, the population of Q continues to grow and stabilize, similar to its independent growth. However, the population of P initially increases but then sharply declines to zero as the population of Q increases. 3. This indicates an interaction where organism Q has a strong negati