Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario that will increase competition between organisms in a community is option B: A disease wipes out half the primary consumers.
Competition between organisms arises when resources become limited, forcing individuals to compete for those resources. In this scenario, the disease wiping out half the primary consumers reduces the population of organisms that consume the primary resources in the community. With fewer primary consumers, the remaining individuals will have to compete more intensely for the available resources, leading to increased competition within the community.
Let's break it down:
A. A new apex predator moves into the area: This scenario may affect the population of certain organisms, but it does not necessarily increase competition between organisms. It could actually decrease competition for some species if the apex predator preys on the competitors.
B. A disease wipes out half the primary consumers: This scenario reduces the population of primary consumers, causing a decrease in the number of organisms utilizing the primary resources. As a result, the remaining primary consumers will have to compete more for the limited resources, increasing competition within the community.
C. Increased precipitation boosts vegetation growth: Although increased precipitation can lead to increased vegetation growth, it may not directly increase competition between organisms. The availability of more resources may benefit the organisms, but it does not necessarily intensify competition.
D. Half the area is deforested for human development: Deforestation can have various effects on a community, including habitat loss and changes in resource availability. While it may impact certain species, it does not specifically address an increase in competition between organisms.
E. The number of consumers born each year equals the number that die each year: This scenario describes a stable population, where the birth rate equals the death rate. It does not necessarily indicate an increase in competition between organisms since the population size remains constant.
In summary, the scenario that will increase competition between organisms in a community is option B: A disease wipes out half the primary consumers. This reduction in the population of primary consumers will intensify competition for resources among the remaining individuals.