Question

With the help of one plant and one animal example, explain how two species may coexist by holding different resources at levels that are too low for effective exploitation by the other species.

Short answer

Species coexist by niche differentiation and utilizing different scarce resources.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

We need to explain how two different species—a plant and an animal—can coexist by utilizing different resources that are scarce and not easily exploitable by the other species. This involves understanding concepts of niche differentiation and resource partitioning.

Example of Plant Species Coexistence

Consider two plant species that coexist in a forest: Species A that thrives on limited light under the dense canopy and Species B that relies on deep soil nutrients. Species A has adapted to low-light conditions where light is a scarce resource, while Species B has roots that can access deep soil nutrients, unavailable to Species A. By exploiting different resources that are not easily accessible to each other, both plants coexist.

Example of Animal Species Coexistence

Consider two species of birds living in the same habitat, Woodpecker A and Finch B. Woodpecker A feeds on insects beneath tree bark using its specialized beak, whereas Finch B consumes seeds from plants. Insects beneath the bark offer a low-accessibility food source to Finch B, while seeds are not suitable for Woodpecker A's diet. Both species coexist by specializing in different food resources.

Conclusion on Coexistence

Both plant and animal examples demonstrate that species can coexist by resource partitioning. By specializing in different but overlapping niches, they reduce direct competition for resources that aren't equally exploitable by the other species.

Key concepts

Niche Differentiation

Niche differentiation refers to the process through which different species in an ecosystem adapt distinct roles, or niches, to minimize competition for resources. It's like each species has a unique lifestyle that helps it utilize different resources or the same resources in distinct ways.
Imagine two types of plants growing in a dense forest. One only needs a sprinkle of sunlight to thrive and hugs the forest floor, while the other reaches its roots deep into the soil to absorb nutrients. This differentiation allows both plants to flourish without stepping on each other's toes. Each species has adjusted its life to occupy a specific niche where it can survive successfully, even if resources are in low supply.
Niche differentiation is vital for maintaining biodiversity. By diversifying how they live and what they eat or do, species can peacefully coexist. They're like dancers in a complicated routine, each one having its unique steps that fit into the grand performance of the ecosystem.

Resource Partitioning

Resource partitioning is the mechanism by which species divide resources among them to reduce competition. Think of it like sharing different slices of the same cake, where each species gets a distinct part of the environment or resource to depend on.
For example, in a forest, one plant may grow where light is scarce, thriving under wide tree canopies, while another spreads its roots deeply into nutrient-rich soil. Similarly, in the animal kingdom, consider a woodpecker and a finch living in the same habitat. The woodpecker adeptly finds its food beneath the tree bark, while the finch munches on seeds from nearby plants.
Each species has evolved or learned to use different parts of their habitats effectively. This partitioning helps reduce direct competition since they aren’t fighting for the same resource, when one can't effectively exploit what the other's feeding strategy or habitat does.

Ecological Competition

Ecological competition occurs when different species vie for the same resources, like food, water, or shelter, which are essential for their survival. It's like a race where the prize isn't a trophy but vital resources necessary for sustaining life.
This kind of competition can be fierce and can limit population sizes. But not all competition results in negative outcomes. Often, it leads to the natural selection and evolution of species, nudging them to find novel ways to acquire their needed resources, thus promoting coexistence.
For instance, through ecological competition, species learn to exploit different resources (known as resource partitioning) or occupy unique niches within their habitat. This competition, while initially challenging, pushes species to diversify and specialize in their functions, allowing multiple species to thrive in shared environments.