Ecological Niche and Competitive Exclusion

A set of flashcards focusing on ecological niche concepts, competitive exclusion, and related principles in ecology.

Ecological Niche

The role an organism has in its ecosystem and the conditions it requires to persist.

Fundamental Niche

The potential role an organism could fulfill without competition.

Realised Niche

The actual ecological niche a species inhabits.

Specialised Niche

A niche where a species has adapted to a narrower range of conditions, resources, and interactions.

Niche Differentiation

The process where competitive species use the environment differently to coexist.

Competitive Exclusion

Two species cannot coexist if they occupy the same niche; one will dominate over the other.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Two similar species competing for a resource cannot co-exist.

Gause's Law of Competitive Exclusion

Formulated based on experiments with two species of paramecium; supports the competitive exclusion principle.

Resource Partitioning

Divided use of resources that allows multiple species to coexist by using resources differently.

Natural Selection

The process where species with advantageous adaptations survive and reproduce, leading to evolution.

Introduction of Cane Toads to Australia

Failed attempt to control pests, leading to competitive exclusion of native species.

Experiment Steps for Competitive Exclusion

1. Choose two species sharing a niche, 2. Observe competition in controlled conditions.