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Question #45193
The Question
MacArthur demonstrated that five closely related species of warblers coexisted on the same tree by behavioral resource partitioning. If severe habitat fragmentation drastically reduces the available foraging territory for these birds, which of the following ecological outcomes is most likely to occur first, considering the Optimal Foraging Theory?
Options
- A.
The species will undergo rapid character displacement to minimize niche overlap and maintain coexistence.
- B.
The energy cost of foraging within restricted zones will exceed resource gain, causing spatial partitions to collapse and initiating interference competition.
- C.
The fundamental niche of each species will shrink to match the newly available microhabitats, preventing competitive exclusion.
- D.
The warblers will shift from interference competition to exploitation competition to maximize resource utilization.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Niche Overlap vs. Resource Partitioning|Competitive Exclusion Principle|Gause’s Law
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between immediate ecological responses (behavioral shifts, interference competition) and long-term evolutionary adaptations (character displacement).
Students often misinterpret resource partitioning as a rigid, permanent trait rather than a flexible behavioral adaptation (realized niche) that collapses when environmental constraints alter the cost-benefit ratio of foraging.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Niche Overlap vs. Resource Partitioning |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |