Test on Ecological Competition and Resource Use

Question 1: Competitive co-existence means that one species, being more successful within a niche, out-competes and eliminates weaker species.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Competitive co-existence is when species are able to coexist in the same habitat or niche by accessing the same resources differently. Competitive exclusion, not co-existence, describes one species out-competing and eliminating weaker species from a niche.

Question 2: Interspecific competition is defined as the competition for food and other requirements between organisms of the same species.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Interspecific competition is the competition for food and other resources between organisms of two or more species, while intraspecific competition is between organisms of the same species.

Question 3: Which of the following statements accurately describes forest stratification as a form of resource partitioning, according to the provided study materials?

A. It is a form of intraspecific competition where trees compete for sunlight.

B. It is an example of competitive exclusion where weaker species of trees die out in different layers.

C. It allows different species to coexist by accessing resources differently within various layers of the forest.

D. It primarily involves species altering their use of the niche to avoid competition by inhabiting only one specific layer.

Explanation: The study materials state that 'Resource Partitioning: Species alter their use of the niche to avoid competition, by dividing resources among them'. It also lists 'forest stratification' as an example of resource partitioning, which enables species to 'access same resource but differently' and allows for 'competitive co-existence'.

Question 4: According to the study materials, how do Anolis statichus and Anolis inaxitius demonstrate resource partitioning to avoid competition?

A. Anolis statichus perches on fence posts and other sunny surfaces, while Anolis inaxitius perches on shady branches.

B. They access different types of food, such as one eating insects and the other eating plant material.

C. Anolis statichus is nocturnal, and Anolis inaxitius is diurnal.

D. They compete intensely until one species outcompetes the other.

Explanation: The study materials show images explicitly stating that 'A. statichus perches on fence posts and other sunny surfaces' and 'A. inaxitius usually perches on shady branches'. This is given as an example of Resource Partitioning, where species alter their use of the niche to avoid competition by dividing resources, in this case, by utilizing different parts of the same habitat.

Question 5: The habitat in which an organism lives is considered a component of its ecological niche.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that 'A niche comprises: the habitat in which the organism lives.' This directly indicates that the habitat is a component of an organism's ecological niche.