Biology Quiz: Competitive Exclusion, Resource Partitioning, and Ecological Niches

What is the competitive exclusion principle?

• The competitive exclusion principle is a theory that has been disproven by recent scientific research.

• The competitive exclusion principle only applies to plants and not animals.

• The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist in the same ecological niche for an extended period of time.

• The competitive exclusion principle states that two species can coexist in the same ecological niche for an extended period of time.

Define resource partitioning in ecosystems.

• The sharing of unlimited resources among different species to increase competition and reduce coexistence.

• The exclusion of certain species from accessing resources to increase competition and reduce coexistence.

• The random distribution of resources among different species to increase competition and reduce coexistence.

• The division of limited resources among different species to reduce competition and allow coexistence.

What is an ecological niche?

• The number of individuals in a species

• The role and position of a species within its environment

• The process of evolution

• The physical location where a species lives

Give an example of competitive exclusion in nature.

How does competition among species affect their populations?

• Competition among species can lead to a decrease in population size.

• Competition among species only affects individual organisms, not populations.

• Competition among species can lead to an increase in population size.

• Competition among species has no effect on population size.

Explain the concept of resource partitioning and provide an example.

• Resource partitioning is the division of limited resources among competing species to reduce competition. An example of resource partitioning is the different beak sizes of Darwin's finches.

• Resource partitioning is the competition for unlimited resources among cooperating species. An example of resource partitioning is the different wing sizes of birds.

• Resource partitioning is the division of unlimited resources among cooperating species to increase competition. An example of resource partitioning is the different fur patterns of tigers.

• Resource partitioning is the sharing of unlimited resources among competing species. An example of resource partitioning is the different coat colors of rabbits.

What factors contribute to the formation of ecological niches?

• Competition, predation, environmental conditions, and species interactions.

• Habitat destruction, pollution, and natural disasters.

• Human activities, geological events, and migration patterns.

• Climate change, genetic mutations, and random chance.

Describe the relationship between competitive exclusion and species diversity.

• Competitive exclusion has no effect on species diversity.

• Competitive exclusion can lead to an increase in species diversity.

• Competitive exclusion only affects certain species, not overall diversity.

• Competitive exclusion can lead to a decrease in species diversity.

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How do organisms adapt to reduce competition within their ecological niche?

• By evolving different feeding habits, occupying different niches, or developing specialized structures or behaviors.

• By forming alliances with other organisms to share resources.

• By competing more aggressively with other organisms in their niche.

• By migrating to a different habitat to avoid competition within their niche.

Discuss the importance of understanding competitive exclusion and resource partitioning in ecological studies.

• Understanding competitive exclusion and resource partitioning is important in ecological studies because it helps us understand how different species coexist in an ecosystem.

• Competitive exclusion and resource partitioning are only relevant in laboratory settings and not in natural ecosystems.

• Competitive exclusion and resource partitioning have no impact on how different species coexist in an ecosystem.

• Understanding competitive exclusion and resource partitioning is not important in ecological studies.