Question

Which of the following statements about competition are correct?
I) The competitive exclusion principle states that species with identical niches can coexist indefinitely.
II) Resource partitioning reduces competition by allowing species to use resources differently.
III) Unrelated species can compete, if they rely on the same unlimited resources.
IV) Competitive release occurs when a species expands its niche after a competitor's removal.

• A. I and IV
• B. II and IV
• C. III and IV
• D. I and III

Hint:

Focus on the mechanisms like resource partitioning and competitive release to understand how species reduce competition and survive together.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Statement I is incorrect because the competitive exclusion principle states that species with identical niches cannot coexist indefinitely.
Statement II is correct because resource partitioning enables species to use different resources, reducing competition.
Statement III is incorrect; while unrelated species may share resources, competition is defined more by overlap in resource use than relatedness.
Statement IV is correct; when a competitor is removed, a species can expand its niche, which is called competitive release.