Along the rocky coasts of Antarctica, different animals depend on the ocean for food. Penguins dive beneath the icy water to catch small fish and krill. At the same time, seagulls fly above the surface and swoop down to grab many of the same fish. Both animals are well adapted to survive in this cold environment, but they depend on similar prey to meet their energy needs. The amount of fish and krill in the ocean can change from season to season, especially during harsh winters.
As ocean temperatures shift and fewer fish are available near the shore. Penguins must swim farther and dive deeper to find enough to eat. Seagulls begin gathering in larger numbers along the same stretches of water, searching for food close to the surface. As both species continue to hunt in the same areas, it becomes harder for each animal to find enough food. Some birds appear thinner than usual by the end of the season.
Scientists observing this situation notice changes in behavior and population numbers. When two species depend on the same limited resource, it can affect how
many individuals are able to survive and reproduce. Over time, this can influence the size of each population and even where the animals choose to live.
Which of these is most likely the result of penguins and seagulls depending on the same resource?
Which of these is most likely the result of penguins and seagulls depending on the same resource?
