Competitive Exclusion and Ecological Niches

The competitive exclusion principle...

• is a theory that has been disproven by recent scientific research.

• only applies to plants and not animals.

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

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

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What term describes the evolutionary adaptation where different species evolve distinct traits to utilise the same resource in different ways, thereby reducing competition?

• competitive exclusion

• niche specialisation

• resource partitioning

• ecological divergence

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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

What impact does interspecies competition have on the biodiversity of an ecosystem?

• It can lead to increased biodiversity due to the variety of adaptations.

• Interspecies competition generally has no significant impact on biodiversity.

• It can decrease biodiversity by eliminating species unable to compete effectively.

• It enhances the population size of all competing species.

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An example of resource partitioning is

• the uniform tree species in a monoculture forest

• the migration patterns of birds

• various species of insects feeding on different parts of the same plant

• the spread of invasive species such as the cane toad

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Which elements are crucial for defining an organism's ecological niche?

• Geographical location, climate conditions, and human influence.

• Biological interactions, availability of resources, and environmental factors.

• Legislative policies, economic practices, and cultural beliefs.

• Technological advancements, energy consumption patterns, and waste management practices.

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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 specialised structures or behaviours.

• 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.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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

• True

• False

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The results of this competitive exclusion experiment show that

• P. aurelia outcompeted P. caudatum

• P. caudatum outcompeted P. aurelia

• P. aurelia and P. caudatum were able to coexist indefinitely

• P. aurelia and P. caudatum used up all the resources and died out

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