When two species compete for the same ecological niche, they cannot coexist because they are competing for the exact same resour
ces. One species is always slightly better adapted for the niche than the other, so over time the disadvantaged species will either go extinct or shift to a different ecological niche. This situation highlights the concept of _______. a. carrying capacity b. competitive exclusion c. limiting factor d. biotic factor
The correct answer is B. competitive exclusion. This law refers to the fact that it is nearly impossible for two species to exist in the same place at the same time together, if they are interested in the same resources. If both species need the same thing to survive, one will have to be stronger while the other one will dwindle in number.
