Chapter 41, Problem 1CT

With antibiotic resistance rising, researchers are looking for ways to reduce the use of antibiotics. Instead of antibiotic-laced food, some cattle now get probiotic feed with cultured bacteria that can establish or bolster populations of helpful bacteria in the animal’s gut. The idea is that if a large population of beneficial bacteria is in place, then harmful bacteria cannot become established or thrive. Explain the ecological principle that is guiding this practice.