Question

Impala are often hosts to many parasites including ticks. Red-billed oxpeckers are birds that feed on parasites found on an impala. Which of the following is most likely if tick populations decrease?
Responses
A Impalas will benefit and oxpeckers will sufferImpalas will benefit and oxpeckers will suffer
B Impalas will suffer and oxpeckers will benefitImpalas will suffer and oxpeckers will benefit
C Both species will benefitBoth species will benefit
D Both species will suffer

Answer 1

A — Impalas will benefit and oxpeckers will suffer.

Reason: Fewer ticks reduce parasitic harm to impalas (positive effect for impalas), while oxpeckers lose an important food source (negative effect for the birds).