NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
Two species of seed-eating birds inhabit the same forest and rely on the identical type of seeds for food. To coexist and avoid direct competition, one species forages exclusively during the early morning while the other forages only at dusk. This ecological mechanism is known as
Options
- ACompetitive release
- BResource partitioning
- CInterference competition
- DAmensalism
Correct answer
B. Resource partitioning
Step-by-step solution
When two species compete for the same resource, they can avoid competition by choosing different times for feeding or different foraging patterns. This mechanism is called resource partitioning. In this scenario, the temporal separation of foraging times allows the two bird species to coexist despite relying on identical seeds. Competitive release occurs when a species expands its niche after a superior competitor is removed. Interference competition involves direct inhibition of one species by another. Amensalism