Question

why is competition considered a \lose - lose\ (-/-) relationship? both animals use energy and time to fight for the same thing. both animals always die. both animals get help from each other. one animal is happy and the other is sad

Explanation:

A (-/-) or "lose-lose" relationship means both organisms experience a negative outcome. In competition, both animals expend energy and time to compete for limited resources (like food, territory, or mates) without gaining a net benefit from the interaction itself, even if one might eventually access the resource. The other options are incorrect: competition does not always result in death, it is not mutual help, and it does not involve one "happy" and one "sad" animal.

Answer:

Both animals use energy and time to fight for the same thing.