Question

what is the primary outcome predicted by the competitive exclusion principle?
a species coexist indefinitely in the same habitat.
b one species will be eliminated from the niche.
c both species will go extinct.
d species will avoid competition.

Explanation:

The competitive exclusion principle, also known as Gause's law, states that two species competing for the same limiting resource (in the same niche) cannot coexist at constant population values. One species will have a competitive advantage over the other. Over time, this will lead to the elimination of the species that is less competitive from the niche.

• Option A is incorrect because the principle says they cannot coexist indefinitely if they are truly competing for the exact same limiting resources in the niche.
• Option C is wrong. The principle is about one species being excluded from the niche, not both going extinct (unless there are other extreme factors not related to the competitive exclusion principle itself acting).
• Option D is incorrect. The principle is about the outcome of competition (exclusion), not about species avoiding competition.

Answer:

B. One species will be eliminated from the niche.