Answer: Two species occupying exactly the same ecological niche cannot coexist -- one will be excluded.
- A Two species generally tend to coexist stably regardless of their resource needs in most cases
- B Two species occupying exactly the same ecological niche cannot coexist -- one will be excluded
- C Competition between species generally tends to increase overall biodiversity in most ecosystems
- D Predators are generally understood to substantially reduce their prey species populations over time
Correct answer: B. Two species occupying exactly the same ecological niche cannot coexist -- one will be excluded
Explanation: Gause competitive exclusion principle: two species competing for identical resources cannot coexist indefinitely -- one excludes the other.
Energy pyramid showing a simple food chain (producer to herbivore to carnivore) with energy decreasing roughly tenfold at each trophic level.
Concept context
Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and conservation.