Question

The principle of competitive exclusion states that

(A) two species cannot coexist in the same habitat.

(B) competition between two species always causes extinction or emigration of one species.

(C) two species that have exactly the same niche cannot coexist in a community.

(D) two species will stop reproducing until one species leaves the habitat.

Short answer

1. The statement “two species cannot coexist in the same habitat” isfalse.

2. The statement “competition between two species always causes extinction or emigration of one species” isfalse.

3. The statement “two species that have exactly the same niche cannot coexist in a community” is true.

4. The statement “two species will stop reproducing until one species leaves the habitat” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Competitive exclusion

When two species have similar niches and needs, they both precisely compete for limited resources and cannot coexist, with one species dominating advantage over the other. It is called competitive exclusion.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

The field of ecology defines habitat as a natural environment where organisms survive due to the availability of water, food, and shelter.

Thus, the species exists in a single habitat to form a complex food web for energy transfer.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

In ecology, when no living member of the last surviving species is found where they used to exist, it is called extinction.

Thus, the competing species coexist in a community for the same prey.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

The components of the three distinct ecosystems (geographical area where living species interacts) components are habitats, niches, and competitive exclusion principle.

Thus, the two animals with the same role in an ecosystem cannot coexist.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

In reproductive biology, the term reproduction represents life’s fundamental process that determines offspring production from their parents.

Thus, the species reproduction takes place under any circumstances.

Therefore, the given statement is false.