Question

Which of the following statements is consistent with the principle of competitive exclusion?

a) Two species with similar ecological niches can coexist indefinitely.
b) Competition among species leads to increased biodiversity.
c) Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist in the same place.
d) Mutualistic interactions enhance species diversity.

Answer 1

The principle of competitive exclusion states that two species cannot coexist in the same niche if they are competing for the same resources. Therefore, the statement consistent with this principle is that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist in the same place.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principle of competitive exclusion states that two species cannot occupy the same niche in a habitat and compete for the same resources. Therefore, the statement consistent with the principle of competitive exclusion is: c) Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist in the same place. The competitive exclusion principle works because natural selection favors traits that reduce competition, and if a species is unable to evolve to lessen reliance on shared resources, the more efficient species will drive the other to extinction. This principle is supported by experimental evidence, such as the competition between Paramecium aurelia and Paramecium caudatum.