Imagine that you are a scientist studying species interactions in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Today, you are observing a pride of lions in the southeast quadrant of the park. Two lionesses...

Imagine that you are a scientist studying species interactions in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Today, you are observing a pride of lions in the southeast quadrant of the park. Two lionesses brought down a large adult wildebeest. The adult females fed for approximately 20 minutes. Their cubs appeared interested in feeding but were largely kept away from the kill by the adult lions. A clan of hyenas drove the lions from the carcasses and fed for approximately 30 minutes. Two male lions drove the hyenas from the carcass, killing a female hyena. The male lions ate most of the kill; vultures fed on remains.


1. Species Interactions


• Describe the form of species interaction that was observed between members of lion pride and between lions and hyenas.


• Explain how this type of interaction may affect the population densities of the two species.