Match the following terms to each of the scenarios below:
◆ Facilitation ◆ Tolerance ◆ Inhibition


1. Large trees create large, shaded areas, making it difficult for photosynthetic organisms to thrive.
2. Presence of alder plants increases nitrogen content in soil, allowing willow & poplar seedlings to thrive.
3. The early growth of algae in a community has no significant impact on the future presence of birds.

• A. 1 – facilitation, 2 – tolerance, 3 – inhibition.
• B. 1 – tolerance, 2 – facilitation, 3 – inhibition.
• C. 1 – inhibition, 2 – tolerance, 3 – facilitation.
• D. 1 – inhibition, 2 – facilitation, 3 – tolerance.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of the terms: Facilitation refers to a process where one species positively affects the environment for another species. Tolerance is when a species can endure environmental conditions without being affected by other species. Inhibition occurs when one species negatively impacts the environment for another species.
2. Analyze scenario 1: Large trees create shaded areas, making it difficult for photosynthetic organisms to thrive. This describes a negative impact, which aligns with the definition of inhibition.
3. Analyze scenario 2: The presence of alder plants increases nitrogen content in the soil, allowing willow and poplar seedlings to thrive. This is a positive impact, which aligns with the definition of facilitation.
4. Analyze scenario 3: The early growth of algae has no significant impact on the future presence of birds. This describes a situation where the presence of one species does not affect another, aligning with the definition of tolerance.
5. Match the scenarios to the terms based on the analysis: 1 – inhibition, 2 – facilitation, 3 – tolerance.