Question

If two species compete for the same resource, they could avoid competition by

• A. Different foraging pattern
• B. Behavioural differences in their foraging activities
• C. All of the above
• D. Choosing different times for feeding

Answer 1

The correct option is C All of the above

Resource partitioning is a mechanism where the competing species evolve to co-exist rather than exclusion of either of them. This can be done by the following means:

• Choosing different times for feeding
• Different foraging pattern
• Presence of behavioural differences in their foraging activities

For example, MacArthur observed that different species of warblers live on the same tree. The warblers did not compete with each other but co-existed due to behavioural differences in their foraging activities. This prevented the exclusion of those species.