Question

Overlap of niches can be minimized through:

A. reduction in the size of the fundamental niche.
B. increased population growth.
C. species evolving adaptations through selective pressure on competitive ability
D. an increase in the similarity of species occupying an area.

Answer 1

To minimize the overlap of niches, species can evolve through selective pressure to adapt, allowing them to coexist by using different resources or activities, as explained by the competitive exclusion principle and resource partitioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

The overlap of niches can be minimized through species evolving adaptations through selective pressure on competitive ability. This is due to the competitive exclusion principle, which asserts that two species cannot occupy the exact same niche indefinitely in the same environment. Eventually, one species will outcompete the other, unless one or both species evolve to utilize different resources, areas, or times for their activities—a process known as resource partitioning. Such evolutionary adaptations help species coexist by minimizing direct competition, leading to a diversification of niches and reducing the overlap.