In his 1961 paper ʺThe Paradox of the Plankton,ʺ ecologist G. E. Hutchinson noted that several species of algae coexist, sharing the same few mineral nutrient resources in homogeneous open-water systems. Because there is little chance of resource partitioning and niche differentiation in such a situation, the paradox of their coexistence is an apparent violation of
A) the competitive exclusion principle.
B) Darwinʹs theory of evolution by means of natural selection.
C) the climax theory of succession.
D) the second law of thermodynamics.
E) the law of mass action.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same limiting resources cannot coexist at constant population values, if other ecological factors remain constant. Hutchinson's observation of multiple plankton species coexisting despite competing for the same resources challenges this principle, hence the paradox.

In His 1961 Paper ʺThe Paradox of the Plankton,ʺ Ecologist