Competitive Exclusion Principle
The Gauss Exclusion Principle was proposed by G. Evelyn Hutchinson and it specifies one of the major effects of competition. The Competitive Exclusion Principle, also known as Gause’s Law, states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist indefinitely in the same ecological niche. This means, if two species have identical ecological requirements and directly compete for the same resources, one of the species will eventually outcompete and exclude the other species from that particular niche.
When two species have similar ecological needs, they will inevitably compete for resources such as food, space, shelter, and other necessities. The more similar their requirements are, the stronger the competition will be. As the competition intensifies, one of the species will usually prove to be more efficient in resource acquisition or better adapted to the environmental conditions, leading to its dominance and the exclusion of the other species.
However, this principle doesn’t necessarily mean that one species will entirely wipe out the other. In some cases, the excluded species may adapt and find alternative niches where they can coexist with other species or evolve to minimize resource overlap. Additionally, the presence of other limiting factors in the environment, such as predation or disease, can also influence the outcome of competition between species. The Competitive Exclusion Principle is an essential concept in ecology as it helps explain species diversity and the distribution of organisms in natural ecosystems.
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Competition Interaction Notes Class 12
Competition interaction occurs when organisms fight for limited resources in their environment. Examples of resources are food, water, and space. Competition, an important topic in class 12 biology, is a fundamental concept in ecology which plays a vital role in shaping ecosystems and driving natural selection. Competition interaction drives organisms to develop strategies for resource acquisition and survival, leading to adaptations that enhance their competitive abilities. You can find Competition Interaction Class 12 Notes here.
Table of Content
- What is Competition?
- Examples of Competition
- Types of Competition in an Ecosystem
- Competitive Exclusion Principle
- How to Avoid Competition?
- Conclusion – Competition Notes Class-12
- CBSE Previous Year Question Papers
- FAQs On Competition Notes Class 12