NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What example is provided as evidence for competitive exclusion in nature?
Options
- AThe introduction of a cactus-feeding predator controlling cactus spread
- BThe increase in distribution of a species after removal of a competitor
- CThe extinction of the Abingdon tortoise after goats were introduced
- DThe expansion of distribution of all species in a habitat
Correct answer
C. The extinction of the Abingdon tortoise after goats were introduced
Step-by-step solution
The Abingdon tortoise in Galapagos Islands became extinct within a decade after goats were introduced on the island, apparently due to the greater browsing efficiency of the goats. Another evidence for the occurrence of competition in nature comes from what is called ‘competitive release’. A species whose distribution is restricted to a small geographical area because of the presence of a competitively superior species, is found to expand its distributional range dramatically when the competing species is experimen