What does the Competitive Exclusion Principle state?

What does the Competitive Exclusion Principle state?

• A. Species must adapt to their environment
• B. No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time
• C. Competition leads to extinction
• D. Predators are always larger than their prey

Answer: (B)

The Competitive Exclusion Principle asserts that no two species can occupy the same ecological niche in the same habitat simultaneously. This principle is based on the idea that when two species compete for the same resources, such as food, space, or light, one species will inevitably outcompete the other. The victorious species will thrive while the other may be driven to extinction or forced to relocate to a different habitat where it can establish itself without direct competition. Understanding this principle is essential for ecological studies, as it highlights the importance of resource availability and the dynamics of species interactions within ecosystems. The concept emphasizes that niches must be differentiated to allow for coexistence, reflecting the necessity for species to adapt to their specific roles within their environment.

The Competitive Exclusion Principle asserts that no two species can occupy the same ecological niche in the same habitat simultaneously. This principle is based on the idea that when two species compete for the same resources, such as food, space, or light, one species will inevitably outcompete the other. The victorious species will thrive while the other may be driven to extinction or forced to relocate to a different habitat where it can establish itself without direct competition.

Understanding this principle is essential for ecological studies, as it highlights the importance of resource availability and the dynamics of species interactions within ecosystems. The concept emphasizes that niches must be differentiated to allow for coexistence, reflecting the necessity for species to adapt to their specific roles within their environment.