A newly evolved species may take over an ecological role or ecological niche that is already occupied, provided that the new species has:
A) the ability to alter or change the environmental parameters.
B) fitness that is almost as high as the fitness of the original species.
C) the ability to grow to a larger size, thus providing it with a selective advantage.
D) features that make it competitively superior to the original occupant of that niche.
E) the ability to evolve through natural selection, as opposed to the original occupant, who cannot continue to evolve.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Competitive superiority, such as better resource utilization, higher reproductive rates, or more effective defense mechanisms, can allow a new species to outcompete and replace the original occupant of an ecological niche.

A Newly Evolved Species May Take Over an Ecological Role