In a particular woodland community, two species of rodents coexist: mice and chipmunks. Both species compete for the same kinds of seeds and nuts. A species of owl that also lives in this woodland community preys on both rodent species. The population sizes of all three species remained fairly constant until several years ago, when the introduction of a parasite dramatically reduced the owl population. The owl population remained low for the next few years as a result. Following the initial reduction in the owl population, there was a dramatic increase in the mouse population and a dramatic decrease in the chipmunk population. Based on these observations, describe the role of the owl in this community and discuss the interspecific competition between chipmunks and mice.

First, we take the owl out, the total number of mouse increases at a higher rate and the chipmunks are also decreasing in numbers. In an ideal ecosystem, both mice (lets call it "a") and chipmunks (lets call it "b") should increase since the restraining factor has been removed. But that is the opposite of what we should see. In that case, we will take the owl to be the "limiting factor" for the rodents.

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The rodents will have free movement and exercise their fitness over the area, competition sets in between the two species. So we see, a flourishes while b dies out. This can be viewed most predictably that a has an overall greater fitness and would easily get resources and strive readily, which influences the survival rate for 2.

Hope you got something in any realm of understanding?