What ultimate effect can competition between species in overlapping niches lead to?

• A. Resource partitioning
• B. Extinction of one species
• C. Coexistence
• D. Increased biodiversity

Answer: (B)

Competition between species in overlapping niches can lead to significant ecological dynamics, particularly resulting in the extinction of one species. This phenomenon occurs because when two species compete for the same limited resources, one may outcompete the other, leading to a decline in population size. As resources become increasingly scarce, the less competitive species may struggle to survive, ultimately leading to its extinction.

This outcome is consistent with the competitive exclusion principle, which posits that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely if other ecological factors remain constant. The stronger competitor typically utilizes resources more efficiently, leading to a decrease in the population of the weaker competitor until it can no longer sustain itself.

While there are other possible outcomes of competing species, such as resource partitioning or coexistence, the potential for extinction is a direct consequence of the competitive pressures exerted when two species vie for the same ecological niche. Increased biodiversity can consequently be influenced by these dynamics, but specifically, competition in overlapping niches makes extinction a plausible and often observed result.