If two species have overlapping niches, what is the likely outcome?

If two species have overlapping niches, what is the likely outcome?

• A. Extinction
• B. Symbiosis
• C. Competition
• D. Commensalism

Answer: (C)

When two species have overlapping niches, it means they occupy similar roles in their ecosystem and utilize the same resources. This overlap typically leads to competition between the species as they vie for the same food, habitat, or other essential resources needed for survival. In many ecosystems, resources are limited, and as each species tries to access these shared resources, it can result in a struggle for dominance or survival. Competition can take two forms: intraspecific competition (between individuals of the same species) and interspecific competition (between individuals of different species). When different species compete for the same niche, it often leads to one species becoming more dominant, which can affect the population sizes and distribution of both species. This dynamic can prompt various evolutionary adaptations over time, as species may develop niche differentiation or evolve different traits to minimize competition. While extinction, symbiosis, and commensalism are possible outcomes of species interactions, they are less directly associated with the concept of overlapping niches. Extinction may occur if one species cannot compete effectively, but it isn't the immediate outcome we would expect to see just from the existence of overlapping niches. Symbiosis and commensalism involve interactions that lead to mutual benefits or one species benefiting while the other is not significantly harmed

When two species have overlapping niches, it means they occupy similar roles in their ecosystem and utilize the same resources. This overlap typically leads to competition between the species as they vie for the same food, habitat, or other essential resources needed for survival. In many ecosystems, resources are limited, and as each species tries to access these shared resources, it can result in a struggle for dominance or survival.

Competition can take two forms: intraspecific competition (between individuals of the same species) and interspecific competition (between individuals of different species). When different species compete for the same niche, it often leads to one species becoming more dominant, which can affect the population sizes and distribution of both species. This dynamic can prompt various evolutionary adaptations over time, as species may develop niche differentiation or evolve different traits to minimize competition.

While extinction, symbiosis, and commensalism are possible outcomes of species interactions, they are less directly associated with the concept of overlapping niches. Extinction may occur if one species cannot compete effectively, but it isn't the immediate outcome we would expect to see just from the existence of overlapping niches. Symbiosis and commensalism involve interactions that lead to mutual benefits or one species benefiting while the other is not significantly harmed