Question

Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle states that:

• A. Two species always coexist
• B. Species compete only indirectly
• C. Two species with identical niche cannot coexist indefinitely
• D. Competition increases biodiversity

Hint:

Key phrase: "Complete competitors cannot coexist."
If you see the word "Niche" and "Exclusion" in a question about Gause, they are directly related.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
G.F. Gause formulated this principle based on his experiments with Paramecium.
A "niche" is the specific functional role and resource requirements of a species.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The principle states that two species competing for the exact same limiting resources (identical niche) cannot live together in the same place for a long time.
In such a scenario, one species will eventually prove to be slightly more efficient in using those resources.
The superior competitor will increase its population while the inferior one declines.
Eventually, the inferior competitor will be "excluded" or eliminated from that habitat.
Coexistence is only possible if the species evolve to use different resources (Resource Partitioning).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Gause's principle concludes that intense competition in identical niches leads to the local extinction of the weaker species.