Final answer:
The process where two species evolve niche or anatomical differences to lessen competition is known as character displacement, which is a result of competitive exclusion or resource partitioning. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two species are intense competitors and may evolve niche or anatomical differences to lessen the competition, this process is known as character displacement.
This exclusion can be avoided through resource partitioning, where populations evolve to make use of different resources, areas of the habitat, or feeding times, effectively occupying different microniches. Coexisting in this way minimizes direct competition.
The correct answer to the question is B) Competitive exclusion, as it refers to the principle that two species cannot occupy the same niche indefinitely when resources are limited.
Species will either adapt, move, or go extinct. However, when adaptation occurs and both species evolve different specializations to reduce competition, this is a result known as resource partitioning. The correct option is b.