Question

According to the competitive exclusion hypothesis, a. two species that use the exact same resources show very little competition. b. two species with the same niche cannot coexist. c. one species that competes with several different species for resources will be excluded from the community. d. all competition between species results in the extinction of at least one of the species. e. none of the above is correct.

Short answer

According to the competitive exclusion hypothesis, 'two species with the same niche cannot coexist.'

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Competitive Exclusion Principle

The Competitive Exclusion Principle also known as the Gause's Principle, states that two species that compete for the exact same resources cannot stably coexist if other ecological factors are constant. This is because one species will always outperform or outcompete the other, leading to the latter's extinction in that specific habitat.

Evaluate the Options

Let's evaluate each option: \n a. 'two species that use the exact same resources show very little competition.' - This is incorrect because according to the Competitive Exclusion Principle, two species that compete for the exact same resources will compete heavily, not lightly. \n b. 'two species with the same niche cannot coexist.' - This is correct and fully corresponds with Competitive Exclusion Principle. \n c. 'one species that competes with several different species for resources will be excluded from the community.' - This statement may not always be correct as the exclusion of a species depends on many factors, not just the number of species it competes with. \n d. 'all competition between species results in the extinction of at least one of the species.' - This statement is also not always true, competition can lead to other outcomes like niche differentiation where species evolve to exploit different resources. \n e. 'none of the above is correct.' - This statement is incorrect as we've found that statement b. is correct.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the Competitive Exclusion Principle and our analysis of the options, the correct answer is b. 'two species with the same niche cannot coexist.'

Key concepts

Ecology

Ecology is a branch of biology that focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environments. It involves studying the complex interactions among living things, including humans, and the natural world. An essential component within this field is understanding how species interact with each other and with their habitat.
Ecologists examine elements such as population dynamics, ecosystems, food webs, and biodiversity. Understanding these concepts is crucial because it helps us to comprehend the impact that various species have on their environment and on one another. Ecology also addresses some of today's most pressing issues, like climate change, habitat destruction, and species conservation, highlighting the need for ecological balance and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Gause's Principle

Gause's Principle, commonly known as the Competitive Exclusion Principle, is a foundational concept in ecology introduced by the Russian biologist G.F. Gause. This principle asserts that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist at constant population values if other ecological factors remain constant. Essentially, the competition for resources will lead to an imbalance, with one species becoming dominant while the other either adapts, migrates, or faces extinction.
When studying Gause's Principle, it is important to understand that it assumes a situation where resources are limited, and environmental conditions remain unchanged, which in nature is not always the case. However, it serves as a valuable model for understanding the potential outcomes of direct competition between species and guides researchers to explore the adaptations and behaviors that species exhibit in response to competition.

Niche Differentiation

Niche differentiation, also known as resource partitioning, refers to the process by which competing species use the environment differently in a way that helps them to coexist. This concept is critical in understanding how species adapt to competitive pressures. By differentiating their niches, species can minimize direct competition for the same resources, which would otherwise lead to competitive exclusion.
A classic example of niche differentiation can be observed in the beak variations of Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands, where each species evolved to exploit different food sources based on beak shape and size. This way of reducing direct competition is crucial for biodiversity as it allows multiple species to inhabit the same geographic area without one outcompeting the other to extinction. In ecological studies, recognizing the importance of niche differentiation helps explain the distribution and diversity of life on Earth.