Use the following diagram to answer the next question

-Which of the following statements is a valid conclusion of this experiment?
A) Balanus can only survive in the lower intertidal zone, because it is unable to resist desiccation.
B) Balanus is inferior to Chthamalus in competing for space on intertidal zone rocks.
C) The two species of barnacles do not compete with each other because they feed at different times of day.
D) When Balanus is removed, it can be observed that the realized niche of Chthamalus is smaller than its fundamental niche.
E) These two species of barnacle do not show competitive exclusion.
F) If Chthamalus were removed, Balanus's fundamental niche would become larger.

Question

Use the following diagram to answer the next question

-Which of the following statements is a valid conclusion of this experiment?
A) Balanus can only survive in the lower intertidal zone, because it is unable to resist desiccation. 
B) Balanus is inferior to Chthamalus in competing for space on intertidal zone rocks. 
C) The two species of barnacles do not compete with each other because they feed at different times of day. 
D) When Balanus is removed, it can be observed that the realized niche of Chthamalus is smaller than its fundamental niche. 
E) These two species of barnacle do not show competitive exclusion. 
F) If Chthamalus were removed, Balanus's fundamental niche would become larger.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment shows that Chthamalus and Balanus can coexist in the same intertidal zone, but when Balanus is removed, Chthamalus expands into the upper intertidal zone, indicating that it was previously restricted by competition from Balanus. This suggests that Chthamalus has a larger fundamental niche than its realized niche in the presence of Balanus. Therefore, D is the correct answer.

Use the Following Diagram to Answer the Next Question