Question

Despite the competitive exclusion principle, many species coexist which seem to be complete competitors. Explain three reasons why this might be the case.

Answer 1

Although the competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot coexist when they compete for the same resources, species can nevertheless coexist through methods like resource partitioning, occupying vacant ecological niches, and forming symbiotic relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

Despite the competitive exclusion principle stating that no two species can coexist when they compete for the same resources at the same time and place, several situations can still allow similar species to coexist:

1. Resource Partitioning: Species might evolve to make use of different resources, areas of the habitat, or feeding times, also known as microniches, thereby minimizing direct competition.
2. Vacant Ecological Niches: When there are vacant ecological niches nearby, a species might adapt over time to utilize those resources, thereby reducing competition.
3. Symbiosis:Close interactions between individuals of different species, called symbiotic relationships, could benefit both parties, allowing them to coexist. This scenario contradicts the competitive exclusion principle because both species are not competing for the same resources, rather they are sharing and benefiting from each other's existence.

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