Biology 30 Diploma Practice Test 2025 - Free Biology Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The concept that describes how no two species can indefinitely compete for the same niche when resources are limited is known as competitive exclusion. This principle states that if two species are competing for the same limited resources, one species will ultimately outcompete the other, leading to the extinction of the less adapted species or causing it to evolve to exploit different resources.

This is important in understanding ecological dynamics and biodiversity, as it emphasizes the consequences of competition and how species adapt to their environments in order to coexist. For instance, in a given habitat where two species are vying for food or shelter, one species may possess certain advantageous traits that allow it to utilize the resources more efficiently, thus dominating the niche while the other is forced to adapt or relocate. This principle underlies many ecological observations regarding species distributions and community structures. It highlights the importance of niche differentiation and the pressures of competition within ecosystems.