You are doing biology field work studying two species of lizards on a small volcanic island.Although quite hostile to each other when they accidentally meet,the two species usually remain in separate parts of the island.Species A seems to live and hunt insects only in the lower grassland part of the island.Species B seems to live and hunt only in the upper rocky areas.Species A has a short tongue but has longer legs and is a faster runner.Species B is short,squat,runs slower,but has a long tongue.You observe Species A chasing down some pretty large,fast-moving insects,while Species B meanders from rock to rock,using its long tongue to get insects hiding between rocks and in cracks.What principle of ecology do your two lizard species demonstrate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two lizard species demonstrate resource partitioning, where they occupy different niches within the same habitat and utilize different resources (insects in this case) to avoid direct competition. Species A uses its longer legs to chase down insects in the lower grassland area, while Species B uses its long tongue to obtain insects in the upper rocky areas. This allows both species to coexist and reduce the competition for the same resources.

You Are Doing Biology Field Work Studying Two Species of Lizards