Final answer:
Resource partitioning in an ecosystem is best described as different species using the same resource at different times to minimize competition. This allows species to coexist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resource partitioning in an ecosystem occurs when different species use the same resource at different times. This allows them to coexist by minimizing direct competition.
For example, two bird species that feed on insects may partition their feeding time, with one species feeding during the day and the other feeding at night. By doing so, they avoid competing for the same food source.