Refer to the Figure

Multiple Choice

Refer to the figure.
Suppose you are studying succession patterns in two species, species A and species B, both small aquatic organisms that colonize bare surfaces underwater. You replicated Sutherland's experiments in this new system by placing bare tiles underwater in predator-protected areas and areas with predators. You collect data on the percent of cover for each species, as shown in the figure.
- Without predation, which species is a better competitor?

A) Species A is a much better competitor than species B.
B) Species A is a slightly better competitor than species B, but there is a lot of variability.
C) Species B is a much better competitor than species A.
D) Species B is a slightly better competitor than species A, but there is a lot of variability.