Question

According to the principle of competitive exclusion, ______.

Options

• two species cannot coexist in the same habitat

• extinction or emigration are the only possible results of competitive interactions

• intraspecific competition results in the success of the best-adapted individuals

• two species cannot share the same realized niche in a habitat

Answer 1

According to the principle of competitive exclusion, two species cannot share the same realized niche in a habitat.

Explanation:

According to Gause’s principle of competitive exclusion, two species cannot occupy the same niche simultaneously in a habitat. Intense competition will occur if they do, leading to extinction, emigration, or niche differentiation. This principle states that no two species can share the same realized niche because competition will force one species to be excluded or adapt.