Question

State the principle that explains the elimination of one species.

Hint:

Note that this principle only holds true if resources are \textbf{limiting}. If resources are abundant, exclusion may not occur.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This principle addresses the outcome of intense competition between closely related species for limited resources.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle states that two closely related species competing for the same limiting resources cannot co-exist indefinitely.
Eventually, the competitively inferior species will be eliminated by the superior one.
This happens because the superior competitor utilizes the resources more efficiently, leading to the decline and eventual extinction of the other species in that specific niche.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle explains the elimination of an inferior competitor.