In a lake, a certain native species of zooplankton is found evenly distributed in the water column. After introduction of a different species of zooplankton, the native species is only found in the shallow water zone. This is most likely an illustration of:
A) character displacement.
B) species richness.
C) primary succession.
D) secondary succession.
E) competitive exclusion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The native species being restricted to the shallow water zone after the introduction of a different species of zooplankton likely illustrates competitive exclusion. This principle states that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist at constant population values if other ecological factors remain constant. In this case, the introduced species may have outcompeted the native species for resources in the deeper parts of the lake, forcing the native species to occupy only the shallow zone where it can survive.

In a Lake, a Certain Native Species of Zooplankton Is