Read the following statements w.r.t predation and select the two wrong statement
(i) Predators help in maintaining species diversity in a community.
(ii) Predators in nature are prudent .
(iii) Predators cannot reduce the intensity of competition among competing prey species .
(iv) Predators do not act as conduits for energy transfer across trophic levels .

Options

A. i and ii
B. iii and iv
C. i and iii
D. ii and iii

Answer

To solve the question, we need to evaluate the given statements regarding predation and identify the two incorrect ones. Let's analyze each statement step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze Statement (i)
**Statement:** Predators help in maintaining species diversity in a community.

**Evaluation:** This statement is **correct**. Predators play a crucial role in controlling the population of prey species. By keeping prey populations in check, they prevent any single species from becoming too dominant, which helps maintain biodiversity within the ecosystem.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement (ii)
**Statement:** Predators in nature are prudent.

**Evaluation:** This statement is **correct**. Predators often exhibit behavior that maximizes their efficiency in hunting and ensures their survival. They tend to select prey that provides the most energy for the least effort, which can be seen as a prudent strategy.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement (iii)
**Statement:** Predators cannot reduce the intensity of competition among competing prey species.

**Evaluation:** This statement is **incorrect**. Predators can indeed reduce competition among prey species. By preying on the more abundant species, they can help balance the populations of competing prey, thus reducing competition for resources among them.

### Step 4: Analyze Statement (iv)
**Statement:** Predators do not act as conduits for energy transfer across trophic levels.

**Evaluation:** This statement is **incorrect**. Predators are essential for energy transfer in ecosystems. They consume prey (which are at a lower trophic level) and transfer energy to higher trophic levels, thus playing a vital role in the food web.

### Conclusion
Based on the evaluations:
- **Correct Statements:** (i) and (ii)
- **Incorrect Statements:** (iii) and (iv)

Thus, the two wrong statements are **(iii)** and **(iv)**.

### Final Answer:
The two wrong statements are:
- (iii) Predators cannot reduce the intensity of competition among competing prey species.
- (iv) Predators do not act as conduits for energy transfer across trophic levels.

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