NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
Can unrelated species compete for the same resource?
Options
- ANo, only related species can compete
- BYes, unrelated species can also compete for the same resource
- CNo, unrelated species do not compete at all
- DYes, but only in aquatic environments
Correct answer
B. Yes, unrelated species can also compete for the same resource
Step-by-step solution
When Darwin spoke of the struggle for existence and survival of the fittest in nature, he was convinced that interspecific competition is a potent force in organic evolution. It is generally believed that competition occurs when closely related species compete for the same resources that are limiting, but this is not entirely true. Firstly, totally unrelated species could also compete for the same resource . For instance, in some shallow South American lakes, visiting flamingoes and resident fishes compete for thei