Question:

Assertion (A): According to Gause, two species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist indefinitely in the same habitat. Reason (R): Competing species promote resource partitioning.

Show Hint

Competitive Exclusion = One winner. Resource Partitioning = Coexistence through division of resources.
Updated On: Jun 6, 2026
  • Both (A) and (R) are true. (R) is correct explanation for (A)
  • Both (A) and (R) are true. (R) is not correct explanation for (A)
  • (A) is true. But (R) is false
  • (A) is false. But (R) is true
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle in ecology.

Step 2: Meaning
Gause's principle states that two species competing for identical limiting resources cannot coexist indefinitely; the competitively superior one will eventually exclude the other.

Step 3: Analysis
The assertion is a correct statement of Gause's principle. The reason is also true, as species facing competition often adapt through "resource partitioning" to coexist by utilizing different niches or resources. However, resource partitioning is an *adaptation* that allows coexistence, rather than the mechanism that explains *why* competitive exclusion occurs in the first place.

Step 4: Conclusion
Since both statements are factually correct but (R) describes an alternative outcome/adaptation rather than the direct cause of the exclusion described in (A), (B) is the correct choice.

Final Answer: (B)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0