NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
"If two species compete for the same resource, they could avoid competition by choosing different times for feeding or different foraging patterns, thereby promoting co-existence." Identify the ecological concept described above and the classic example associated with it.
Options
- ACompetitive release - Connell's field experiments on barnacles
- BCompetitive exclusion - Gause's experiments on Paramecium
- CInterference competition - Extinction of Abingdon tortoise after introduction of goats
- DResource partitioning - MacArthur's study on five closely related species of warblers
Correct answer
D. Resource partitioning - MacArthur's study on five closely related species of warblers
Step-by-step solution
The given description explains the mechanism of 'Resource Partitioning', where species evolve traits that promote co-existence rather than exclusion. According to NCERT, MacArthur showed that five closely related species of warblers living on the same tree were able to avoid competition and co-exist due to behavioural differences in their foraging activities. Competitive release is related to Connell's barnacles, competitive exclusion is related to Gause's principle, and interference competition is demonstrated by