Question

name _ date _ section _ biology - 1011.1: symbiotic relationships hw (day 2) questions 4 and 5 refer to the following diagram. 4. different species of birds choose to eat different sizes of fish. how do the niches of these bird species differ? (a) they occupy different niches by specializing in different food sources. (b) they occupy the same niche because they both eat fish. (c) they share the same niche since they live in the same habitat. (d) they avoid competition by living in different habitats. 5. what is the most likely outcome for these bird species based on their niches? (a) since each species has a different niche, they can coexist without one outcompeting the other. (b) since each species has a different niche, one species will eventually adapt or be outcompeted. (c) since both species share the same niche, they can coexist without competition (d) since both species share the same niche, one species will adapt or be eliminated over time. 6. *two species of squirrels live in the same forest and compete for the exact same type of food and nesting sites. over time, one species begins to disappear from the area. explain why this might happen using the competitive exclusion principle.

Explanation:

1. A niche is an organism's role in its environment, including its food - source. Since different bird species eat different - sized fish, they specialize in different food sources and occupy different niches.
2. When species have different niches, they can co - exist without one outcompeting the other as they are not directly competing for the same resources.
3. The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the exact same resources cannot co - exist indefinitely. In the case of the two squirrel species, one is outcompeted and begins to disappear.

Answer:

1. A. They occupy different niches by specializing in different food sources.
2. A. Since each species has a different niche, they can coexist without one outcompeting the other.
3. According to the competitive exclusion principle, two species competing for the exact same food and nesting sites cannot co - exist indefinitely. One species is more successful at obtaining resources and outcompetes the other, causing the less successful species to disappear from the area.