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Question #46466
The Question
A sudden adaptive radiation event in a localized forest ecosystem leads to the simultaneous emergence of five closely related insectivorous bird species. Despite sharing the same macro-habitat, they coexist indefinitely without driving each other to extinction. Which of the following statements correctly explains this phenomenon while contradicting the inevitable outcome predicted by Gause’s principle?
Options
- A.
They achieved coexistence through resource partitioning, a mechanism where closely related species evolve analogous traits to share the same fundamental niche.
- B.
They avoided competitive exclusion by evolving behavioral differences in foraging activities, thereby occupying distinct realized niches within the same habitat.
- C.
The species underwent divergent evolution to occupy the exact same realized niche, proving that Gause's principle is invalid in resource-rich environments.
- D.
They demonstrated competitive release, where the expansion of their spatial distribution allowed simultaneous exploitation of identical resources without interference.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Adaptive_Radiation|Interspecific_Competition|Niche_Differentiation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often assume that adaptive radiation in a single habitat inevitably leads to Gause's competitive exclusion (extinction of the weaker species).
The trap lies in distinguishing between 'fundamental' and 'realized' niches, and recognizing that MacArthur's resource partitioning allows coexistence via behavioral divergence, not morphological convergence (analogous traits) or competitive release.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Evolutionary Chronology |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |