According to the biological principle of competitive exclusion, two distinct species that compete for the exact same limited resources cannot stably coexist in the same ecological niche. Over time, the species that possesses even a slight reproductive or resource-gathering advantage will dominate, inevitably leading to either the local extinction or the evolutionary adaptation of the weaker competitor.
Which of the following scenarios most accurately illustrates the principle of competitive exclusion as described in the passage?
- Two species of beetles that rely entirely on the exact same type of plant seed are introduced to an isolated island; within a decade, the faster-reproducing beetle thrives while the other species completely disappears from the island.Answer
- BA dominant species of predator hunts a weaker prey species to near extinction in order to gather more food resources for its offspring.
- CTwo species of birds that live in the same forest coexist stably because one feeds exclusively on insects in the upper canopy while the other feeds on seeds found on the forest floor.
- DIndustrial expansion into forested areas leads to a significant decrease in the population of native wolves due to sudden and severe habitat destruction.
- EWhenever any two animal species interact in a shared natural environment, one will inevitably drive the other to local extinction regardless of their respective diets.
Answer
The scenario describing two species of beetles competing for the exact same plant seed, resulting in the faster-reproducing beetle thriving while the other disappears.
The correct answer directly maps onto every requirement established in the passage's definition of competitive exclusion: two distinct species, identical resource needs (the same type of plant seed), an advantage (faster reproduction), and the predicted outcome (local extinction of the weaker competitor).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Applying Passage Principles