Question

which of the following best describes the competitive exclusion principle?
a species with similar resource requirements will change their behavior or they will compete, leading to the elimination of one species.
b competition among individuals of the same species leads to the development of cooperative behaviors.
c species with overlapping ecological niches can coexist, leading to the success of both species.
d species with different resource requirements will exhibit cooperative behaviors, leading to the avoidance of competition.

Explanation:

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species with similar resource requirements (overlapping ecological niches) cannot coexist indefinitely. They will either change their behavior (niche differentiation) or compete, and if they compete, one species will be eliminated. Option A correctly reflects this. Option B is about intraspecific competition (within - species) leading to cooperation, which is not the competitive exclusion principle. Option C is the opposite of the principle as it suggests coexistence of overlapping niches (the principle says they can't coexist indefinitely). Option D is about different resource requirements (non - overlapping niches) and cooperation, which is not related to the competitive exclusion principle.

Answer:

A. Species with similar resource requirements will change their behavior or they will compete, leading to the elimination of one species.