Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780133923001
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 28, Problem 1AC
Summary Introduction

To interpret:

The finding with respect to the ecological niche and the competitive exclusion principle, and also explain both concepts.

Introduction:

When two species or individual compete with each other for same resources and habitat then they cannot share same niche and they cannot exist stably. This law is also known as Gause's law.

All the species thrive for survival, growth, and reproduction requires niche. Every species require a set of resources specifically along with habitats for their survival in an environment, it is called as the ecological niche.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

According to the competition and exclusion principle, different species that live in the same ecological niche can not depend on the same resources. They depend upon other resources and therefore, reduce the competition for resources that allows for the co-existence of different species.

If two species of birds that are closely related and vary with in their size of bills, it is an evident that they cannot compete with each other for the same resource. Such as both species of birds are susceptible that they do not “compete for feeding”. They are able to co-exist when; they are depending on other resources present in the same ecological niche. Therefore, it is appropriately an example of the “competition exclusion principle to share an ecological niche”.

Conclusion

Thus, two species overlap their niche for their survival. The competition exclusion principle describes that two species or individuals cannot live in the same niche and also depend on the same resources for an indefinite period of time.

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An ecologist visiting an island finds two species of birds, one of which has a slightly larger bill than the other. Interpret this finding with respect to the ecological niche and the competitive exclusion principle, and explain both concepts.
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