Which of these statements is correct ?

Options

A. Herbivores are more adversely affected by competition than carnivores,
B. Carnivores are more adversely affected by competition than herbivores.
C. Both herbivores and carnivores are equally affected by competition
D. Both herbivores and carnivores are not affected by competition .

Answer

To solve the question "Which of these statements is correct?" we will analyze the four statements provided regarding herbivores and carnivores in the context of competition.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Competition**:
- Competition occurs when two or more species vie for the same resources, such as food, habitat, or other necessities for survival.

2. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Herbivores are more adversely affected by competition than carnivores."
- **Statement 2**: "Carnivores are more adversely affected by competition than herbivores."
- **Statement 3**: "Both herbivores and carnivores are equally affected by competition."
- **Statement 4**: "Both herbivores and carnivores are not affected by competition."

3. **Evaluating Herbivores**:
- Herbivores rely exclusively on plants for their food. If there is a decrease in plant availability due to competition or environmental changes, herbivores face significant challenges in finding food.

4. **Evaluating Carnivores**:
- Carnivores, on the other hand, have a broader range of food sources. They can prey on various animals, not just one specific type. This flexibility allows them to adapt better to changes in prey availability.

5. **Comparative Analysis**:
- Given that herbivores have no alternative food sources and are entirely dependent on plants, they are more adversely affected by competition for those resources compared to carnivores, who can switch to different prey.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct statement is: **"Herbivores are more adversely affected by competition than carnivores."** Thus, the answer is **Option A**.