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Multiple Choice
Competitive exclusion occurs when _______.
A
two species coexist by occupying different ecological niches
B
a single species adapts to multiple environments through natural selection
C
two species compete for the same limited resource and one outcompetes the other, leading to the local extinction of the less competitive species
D
genetic drift causes random changes in allele frequencies within a population
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of competitive exclusion: Competitive exclusion is a principle in ecology stating that two species competing for the same limited resource cannot coexist indefinitely. One species will outcompete the other, leading to the local extinction of the less competitive species.
Analyze the options provided: Carefully read each option and determine whether it aligns with the definition of competitive exclusion.
Option 1: 'Two species coexist by occupying different ecological niches' - This describes resource partitioning, not competitive exclusion.
Option 2: 'A single species adapts to multiple environments through natural selection' - This describes adaptation and evolution, not competitive exclusion.
Option 3: 'Two species compete for the same limited resource and one outcompetes the other, leading to the local extinction of the less competitive species' - This matches the definition of competitive exclusion and is the correct answer.