There are several factors that could cause a decrease in competition between two prides of lions competing for the same prey (antelope):
1. Abundance of prey: If the available prey population is abundant, there would be enough resources for both prides to survive without directly competing with each other. An increase in the prey population would result in a decrease in competition.
2. Different hunting territories: If the two prides have well-defined hunting territories with minimal overlap, they are less likely to directly compete for the same prey. This separation would reduce competition and allow each pride to hunt within their respective territories.
3. Different hunting techniques or preferences: If the two prides have different hunting techniques or preferences, they might target different types of prey. For example, one pride may prefer hunting larger prey like wildebeests while the other may focus on smaller prey like impalas. This differentiation in hunting strategies would reduce competition.
4. Seasonal availability of prey: In certain seasons, the availability of prey might change, leading to a decrease in competition. For instance, during the migration of herbivores, such as wildebeest in the Serengeti, there is an abundance of prey for different prides to feed on, reducing competition.
5. Social structure: Lions live in complex social groups called prides. Each pride consists of related females and their offspring led by a dominant male. If the two prides have a hierarchical structure wherein one pride is dominant and the other is subordinate, the dominant pride may claim priority access to certain territories or resources, reducing direct competition.
These factors can contribute to a decrease in competition between two prides of lions, allowing them to coexist and access sufficient prey resources without excessive conflict.
Two prides of lions compete with one another for the same prey (antelope). Which would cause a decrease in competition?
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