If two species are in competition for the same resources,
A)we can infer they are in a predator-prey relationship.
B)a new species will be most likely to enter the ecosystem if the species decrease the overlap in their niche.
C)one will always drive the other into extinction.
D)they cannot be part of the same ecosystem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If two species are in competition for the same resources, it will be difficult for a new species to enter the ecosystem if there is high overlap in their niche. Therefore, the new species will most likely enter the ecosystem if the existing species decrease the overlap in their niche, by for instance specializing on different parts of the resource or using it in different ways. Neither option A nor C can be inferred in general from competition, as it may be that none of the species is dependant on the other for food or that the competition is so tight that neither will win, or that they can coexist at reduced population levels. Option D is not true, as any number of species in local competition can still be part of the same ecosystem.

If Two Species Are in Competition for the Same Resources