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Correct Answer:
two species cannot share the same niche within a habitat.
the principle of competitive exclusion, also known as gause's law, states that two species competing for the exact same resources cannot stably coexist if other ecological factors remain constant. when two species vie for the same niche, one species will outcompete the other, leading either to the extinction of the less competitive species or to an evolutionary or behavioral shift toward a different ecological niche.
the core idea behind this principle is that each species has its own set of natural advantages and adaptations that allow it to thrive in particular environmental niches. niches are multidimensional, including not just the physical space a species occupies but also its role in the ecosystem, such as what it eats, where it lives, and how it interacts with other species. when two species try to occupy the same niche, they compete for the same resources (food, space, etc.), which are limited.
the outcome of this competition is determined by which species can use the resources more efficiently. over time, the less efficient competitor will either adapt to a different niche, migrate to a different area, or face extinction. this principle has been observed in many ecological studies and has significant implications for understanding biodiversity and the organization of communities in nature.
in practical terms, the principle of competitive exclusion is important for conservation efforts, resource management, and understanding the impacts of invasive species. it helps explain why certain invasive species can dramatically alter existing ecosystems by outcompeting native species for their niches, leading to shifts in the community structure and sometimes to the extinction of native species.
therefore, the correct answer that "two species cannot share the same niche within a habitat" encapsulates the essence of the competitive exclusion principle by emphasizing the impossibility of coexistence within the same niche without evolutionary or ecological changes.
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