Question

Which best illustrates the competitive exclusion principle?

• A. Mushrooms grow and break down a rotting log found in a moist shady area of a forest.
• B. Lichens and pioneer species are replaced by mosses and grasses, followed by tree saplings and shrubs and eventually tall deciduous trees.
• C. An orchid grows upon the branches of a tree and absorbs water and minerals from rainwater runoff.
• D. Three species of warblers feed on different regions of the same tree.
• E. A bear catches and consumes a salmon.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Three species of warblers feed on different regions of the same tree.

According to Gause's competitive exclusion principle, two species that compete for the same resource cannot coexist.

Among all the options, three species of warblers feeding on different regions of the same tree, are showing competition as they are competing for the same resource i.e. the tree. Hence, eventually, only one of these three species is going to survive as it will eliminate other species.

So, the correct answer is 'Three species of warblers feed on different regions of the same tree'