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Which of the following best describes the relationship between the competitive exclusion principle and resource partitioning?

Option: 1

The competitive exclusion principle and resource partitioning are two different names for the same concept

 

 


Option: 2

Resource partitioning is a mechanism that leads to the competitive exclusion of weaker species

 

 


Option: 3

The competitive exclusion principle and resource partitioning are two independent concepts that do not affect each other

 

 


Option: 4

Resource partitioning is a mechanism that prevents the competitive exclusion of weaker species


Answers (1)

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For correct Option D

According to the competitive exclusion principle, two species that are vying for the same limiting resource in the same niche cannot coexist indefinitely; eventually, one species will outcompete and drive the other species extinct. In contrast, resource partitioning is a process that divides the resources that different species use to coexist in the same habitat.

By allowing species to use different resources or the same resource in various ways, resource partitioning lowers the intensity of interspecies competition. Species can coexist in the same habitat without one species outcompeting and eradicating the other by sharing resources and reducing the direct rivalry they face.

For Incorrect Option B

By splitting the resources they utilise, resource partitioning is a strategy that enables different species to coexist in the same habitat. Species can coexist in the same habitat without one species outcompeting and eradicating the other by sharing resources and reducing the direct rivalry they face. Therefore, rather than causing the competitive exclusion of weaker species, resource partitioning actually protects it.

For Incorrect Option C

Resource partitioning and the competitive exclusion principle are two interrelated ideas that are interdependent. 

As a way for different species to survive in the same habitat without one outcompeting and eradicating the other, resource partitioning is actually a mechanism that develops in response to the competitive exclusion principle. 

By allowing species to use different resources or the same resource in various ways, resource partitioning lowers the intensity of interspecies competition. 

For Incorrect Option A

Resource partitioning and the competitive exclusion principle are two independent ideas that describe several mechanisms driving species coexistence. 

According to the competitive exclusion principle, two species that are vying for the same limiting resource in the same niche cannot coexist indefinitely; eventually, one species will outcompete and drive the other species extinct. In contrast, resource partitioning is a process that divides the resources that different species use to coexist in the same habitat. 

By allowing species to use different resources or the same resource in various ways, resource partitioning lowers the intensity of interspecies competition.

 

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shivangi.bhatnagar

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