Which of the following statements is consistent with the principle of competitive exclusion?
A) Bird species generally do not compete for nesting sites.
B) The random distribution of one competing species will have a positive impact on the population growth of the other competing species.
C) Two species with the same fundamental niche will exclude other competing species.
D) Even a slight reproductive advantage will eventually lead to the elimination of the less well adapted of two competing species.
E) Natural selection tends to increase competition between related species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of competitive exclusion states that when two species compete for limited resources, one will eventually outcompete and eliminate the other. This is consistent with option D, which suggests that even a slight reproductive advantage will eventually lead to the elimination of the less well adapted of two competing species.

Which of the Following Statements Is Consistent with the Principle