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Explain how two different species can coexist in the same habitat according to the competitive exclusion principle. a. Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same trophic level. b. Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same mates. c. Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same resources. d. Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same life span

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. Two species can coexist in the same habitat as long as they do not share the same resources.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Competitive Exclusion Principle

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant. One species will outcompete the other, leading to the exclusion of the less competitive species.
02

Analyze Each Option

Review each given option to determine which one aligns with the competitive exclusion principle. Consider how resource competition influences species coexistence.
03

Evaluate Option a

Evaluate whether not sharing the same trophic level allows for coexistence. Species at different trophic levels do not compete directly for the same resources, thus potentially allowing coexistence.
04

Evaluate Option b

Analyze if not sharing the same mates is a factor in coexistence. This is unrelated to resource competition as mating does not impact resource availability directly.
05

Evaluate Option c

Determine if not sharing the same resources allows for coexistence. According to the competitive exclusion principle, species must not compete for the same resources to coexist.
06

Evaluate Option d

Assess if not sharing the same life span leads to coexistence. Life span differences do not directly impact competition for resources.
07

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the evaluations, the option that aligns with the competitive exclusion principle is the one where species do not share the same resources.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Species Coexistence
The concept of species coexistence is pivotal to understanding biodiversity in ecosystems. Coexistence happens when multiple species live together in the same environment without driving each other to extinction. For species to coexist, they need to avoid direct competition for the same resources. This can be achieved through various strategies such as niche differentiation, where species exploit different resources or are active at different times. Another strategy is spatial separation, where species live in different areas of the same habitat. Such adaptations reduce competition and allow multiple species to thrive together.
For example:
  • Different bird species might consume different types of seeds.
  • Various plant species might have different root depths, accessing water from different soil layers.
Resource Competition
Resource competition is a critical factor in the competitive exclusion principle. It describes how species vie for the same limited resources such as food, shelter, or light. When resources are scarce, species must compete more intensely. The species that can use the resources more efficiently or effectively will outcompete the others, potentially leading to exclusion. To avoid this, species often evolve different strategies to reduce direct competition, such as altering their feeding habits or reproductive strategies. By minimizing competition, they can coexist more peacefully.
For example:
  • One plant might grow taller to access more sunlight, while another spreads wider to utilize available soil nutrients.
  • One predator might hunt at night, while another hunts during the day to avoid direct competition for the same prey.
Trophic Levels
Trophic levels represent the different positions organisms occupy in a food chain, ranging from producers to apex predators. Species at different trophic levels usually do not compete for the same type of resources. For instance, herbivores (primary consumers) eat plants (producers), whereas carnivores (secondary consumers) eat other animals. Because they rely on different kinds of food, species at different trophic levels can coexist without directly competing with each other. This level-based differentiation often helps multiple species thrive within the same ecosystem.
Consider these examples:
  • Grass (producer) is eaten by rabbits (primary consumer), which are then preyed upon by foxes (secondary consumer).
  • Small fish (primary consumer) eat algae (producer) and are, in turn, eaten by larger fish or birds (secondary consumer).
Ecological Factors
Ecological factors like temperature, humidity, and availability of nutrients can significantly impact species coexistence. These factors determine the suitability of an environment for different species. For example, some species are adapted to cold climates, while others thrive in warmer habitats. Ecological factors can also influence resource distribution and availability, which in turn affects competition. Species that can adapt to changes in ecological factors have a better chance of surviving and coexisting with other species. Ecosystems are dynamic and constantly changing, so adaptability is crucial for the survival and coexistence of species.
Examples include:
  • Plants in arid regions develop deep root systems to access scarce water, reducing competition.
  • Animals in colder climates might hibernate to survive periods when food resources are scarce.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A researcher has been tracking a population of turtles. The researcher marked 200 young turtles just after hatching. A year later, collection data reveal that about 80% survived. A year after that, collection data revealed that about 60% of the original group was still living. After a third year, about 40% could be found alive. What do these data say about the survivorship curve that would best describe this population? Explain your reasoning. a. Type II survivorship curve because the number of survivors decreases by the same value (20%) every year. b. Type I survivorship curve because the number of survivors decreases by the same value (20%) every year. c. Type II survivorship curve because the number of survivors increases by the same value (20%) every year. d. Type IV survivorship curve because the number of survivors decreases by the same value (20%) every year.

A non-venomous species of snake has a wide geographical range. In one region, the species has dull coloration and in another region, the species exhibits bright coloration that resembles a local venomous species of snake. A hypothesis has been proposed that the bright coloration is an adaptation to defend against predation, an example of Batesian mimicry. Describe an experimental design that could be used to test this hypothesis. a. Run field tests in which dull individuals and brightly colored individuals are captured and switched into the other’s territory to see how many of each survive. b. Run field tests in which video cameras are set up to record predators capturing dull individuals and brightly colored individuals in their native territories. c. Run laboratory tests in which predators familiar with the poisonous snake are offered dull individuals and brightly colored individuals to see if the predators show a preference. d. Run laboratory tests in which predators familiar with the dull colored non- poisonous snake are offered poisonous brightly colored individuals and non- poisonous brightly colored individuals to see if the predators show a preference

An organism, such as an elephant, that invests in longterm care of its offspring faces risks to its survival as a result of this investment. Explain those risks. a. Organisms that invest in long-term parental care have many offspring. Having many offspring means there is greater risk of rapid increase in population. b. Organisms that invest in long-term parental care have few offspring. Having a limited number of offspring means there is greater risk to the survival of the species when a single offspring dies. c. Organisms that invest in long-term parental care have many offspring. Having many offspring means there is greater risk to the survival of the species when a single offspring dies. d. Organisms that invest in long-term parental care have few offspring. Having a limited number of offspring means there is greater risk of rapid increase in population.

A researcher studying minnows, a type of fish, kept two groups of 20 fish in separate containers. The containers were linked by a pair of small tubes outfitted with a pump that constantly circulated water between both tanks. The researcher observed both groups of fish after placing a larger fish known to be a predator of minnows into one of the tanks. Fish in both tanks demonstrated alarm behavior. How can you explain these observations? a. Fish in the tank that received the predator released alarm signals in chemical form. These compounds circulated and reached the other tank, eliciting an alarm response from the fish there nonetheless. b. Fish in the tank that received the predator released alarm signals in the form of electrical signals. These compounds circulated and reached the other tank, eliciting an alarm response from the fish there nonetheless. c. The predator introduced in one tank of fish released alarm signals in chemical form. These compounds circulated and reached the other tank, eliciting an alarm response from the fish there nonetheless. d. Fish in the tank that did not receive the predator released alarm signals in the chemical form. These compounds circulated and reached the other tank and elicited an alarm response from the fish.

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