Competitive Exclusion Principle

The ecological niches of three bird species are shown in the diagram. What is the advantage of each bird species having a different niche?

• As more birds feed higher in the tree, available energy increases.

• More abiotic resources are available for each bird.

• Predators are less likely to feed on birds in a variety of locations.

• There is less competition for food.

Answer explanation

Having different niches reduces competition for food.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The relationship that exists between two organisms when they attempt to obtain the same resource.

• Competition

• Disturbance

• Mimicry

• Predation

Answer explanation

Competition is the relationship between organisms when they compete for the same resource.

How does niche partitioning help in reducing competition?

• By increasing the overall population size of competing species.

• By promoting cooperation and sharing of resources among different species.

• By allowing different species to specialize in different food sources or habitats, reducing direct competition for resources.

• By creating barriers that prevent different species from interacting with each other.

Answer explanation

Niche partitioning reduces competition by allowing different species to specialize in different food sources or habitats, reducing direct competition for resources.

What is the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

• Two species can coexist indefinitely

• One species will always eliminate the other when competing for the same resources

• Species always share resources equally

• Species never compete for resources

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Who first identified the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

• E. O. Wilson

• G. F. Gause

• Robert MacArthur

• Charles Darwin

What did G. F. Gause use to demonstrate the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

• Two species of sharks

• Two species of finches

• Two species of protists

• Two species of warblers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What is the main concept behind the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

• Two species can coexist indefinitely in the same niche

• One species will outcompete the other for the same resources

• Species always share resources equally

• Species never compete for resources

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which scientist is credited with formulating the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

• E. O. Wilson

• G. F. Gause

• Robert MacArthur

• Charles Darwin

In an experiment demonstrating the Competitive Exclusion Principle, which organisms did G. F. Gause use?

• Two species of sharks

• Two species of finches

• Two species of protists

• Two species of warblers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

How does the Competitive Exclusion Principle affect biodiversity in an ecosystem?

• It increases biodiversity by allowing more species to coexist

• It decreases biodiversity by eliminating competing species

• It has no effect on biodiversity

• It promotes biodiversity by encouraging species to share resources