The principle of competitive exclusion states that a. two species cannot coexist in the same habitat. b. competition between two species always causes extinction or emigration of one species. c. two species that have exactly the same niche cannot coexist in a community. d. two species will stop reproducing until one species leaves the habitat.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Read the question carefully and understand that it is asking about the principle of competitive exclusion in ecology.
2. Recall that the principle of competitive exclusion states that two species competing for the exact same resources cannot stably coexist.
3. Identify that the key concept here is the niche, which refers to the role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces.
4. Review the options given: a) two species cannot coexist in the same habitat, b) competition between two species always causes extinction or emigration of one species, c) two species that have exactly the same niche cannot coexist in a community, d) two species will stop reproducing until one species leaves the habitat.
5. Choose the option that directly relates to the definition of the competitive exclusion principle, which is c) two species that have exactly the same niche cannot coexist in a community.

Key Concepts

Competitive Exclusion Principle

The competitive exclusion principle posits that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist indefinitely. If two species occupy the same niche, one will outcompete the other, leading to the extinction or emigration of the less competitive species. This principle highlights the importance of resource availability and niche differentiation in ecological communities.

Niche

A niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, encompassing its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms. It includes factors such as food sources, mating behaviors, and environmental conditions. Understanding a species' niche is crucial for predicting how it will interact with competitors and how it can coexist with other species.

Species Competition

Species competition occurs when two or more species vie for the same resources, such as food, space, or mates, within an ecosystem. This competition can be interspecific (between different species) or intraspecific (within the same species). The outcome of competition can influence population dynamics, community structure, and biodiversity, often leading to adaptations that allow species to exploit different niches.