Resource Partitioning

Resource Partitioning

the reduction of competition through the evolution of slight differences in the niche requirements

benefits of resource partitioning

• same niche = intense competition

• differences in niche reduces overlap hence competition allowing both species to coexist

3 types of niche partitioning

• temporal

• spacial

• morphological

Temporal Resource Partitioning

• same resource is exploited at different times by eg nocturnal and diurnal species

• bat species alternate times at waterholes to find food

Spatial Resource Partitioning

• when same resource is exploited in different areas

• P caudatum (water column) and Bursaria (bottom of tank)

Morphological Resource Partitioning

• when organisms evolved different physical attributes to reduce overlap

• Darwin’s Finches evolved different beaks morphologies to utilize slightly different diets

• morphological resource partitioning reduces competition because they longer share the same modifications of their tongue, hence don’t share the same food, so will therefore not occupy identical niches