Multiple choice

Competition for food, light and space is probably most severe between

  1. closely related species occupying different niche

  2. unrelated species occupying different niche

  3. unrelated species occupying the same niche

  4. closely related species occupying the same niche

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

According to Gause's competitive exclusion principle, competition is most intense between closely related species occupying identical ecological niches. They have overlapping needs for the same limited resources (food, light, space) and similar adaptations, creating direct competition. Closely related species in different niches or unrelated species have reduced competition due to resource partitioning or different adaptations.