Question

How do species avoid competition in nature? Explain with an example.

Hint:

Resource partitioning is an evolutionary adaptation that promotes biodiversity by allowing similar species to share a habitat.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
If resources are not strictly limiting, species often evolve mechanisms to co-exist rather than exclude each other.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Mechanism: Species avoid competition by resource partitioning. If two species compete for the same resource, they could avoid competition by choosing different times for feeding or different foraging patterns.
2. Example: MacArthur showed that five closely related species of warblers living on the same tree were able to avoid competition and co-exist.
3. They achieved this due to behavioral differences in their foraging activities (searching for food in different parts of the tree or at different times).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Species co-exist using resource partitioning, as seen in MacArthur's warblers.