USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Exam. Enhance your skills with engaging multiple-choice questions, detailed explanations, and essential biology concepts. Get exam-ready and boost your performance with expert tips and study resources!

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What type of interaction is characterized by predation?

+/+ interaction
+/− interaction
−/− interaction
+/0 interaction

The correct answer is: +/− interaction

Predation is characterized by a +/− interaction because it involves one organism, the predator, benefiting from the interaction by obtaining food, while the other organism, the prey, is adversely affected and usually killed. In ecological terms, the predator gains energy and nutrients from the prey, leading to a positive outcome for itself, which is represented by the "+" sign. Conversely, the prey suffers a negative outcome as it loses its life and potential for reproduction, indicated by the "−" sign. This dynamic is a fundamental component of food webs and ecological relationships, illustrating how energy flows through an ecosystem and the impact of one species on another in terms of survival and population dynamics. Understanding this interaction is crucial in ecology, as it helps elucidate the balance of ecosystems and the evolutionary adaptations that arise in both predators and prey.