In ecology, the 'Competitive Exclusion Principle' (Gause's Law) states that: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

In ecology, the 'Competitive Exclusion Principle' (Gause's Law) states that:
A. Two species competing for the exact same limited resource cannot coexist at constant population values
B. Two species can coexist indefinitely if they share the same niche
C. Competition always leads to the extinction of both species
D. Predators will always outcompete their prey
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
The Competitive Exclusion Principle, formulated by G.F. Gause based on his experiments with Paramecium, states that two species with identical ecological niches (competing for the exact same limited resources) cannot coexist indefinitely in the same habitat. One species will inevitably have a slight reproductive advantage and will outcompete the other, leading to the local extinction or evolutionary shift (resource partitioning) of the inferior competitor.

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Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is defined as:
A. The total rate of photosynthesis or organic matter production by producers
B. The rate of storage of organic energy by consumers
C. The rate of decomposition by microbes
D. The rate of organic matter production after accounting for respiration

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is the total rate of photosynthesis, or the total amount of organic matter (biomass) produced by producers (plants) per unit area per unit time, including the organic matter used in respiration. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is GPP minus the energy used by the plants for respiration (NPP = GPP - R).

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
Consider statements about human diseases: 1. Cholera is caused by a bacterium. 2. Polio is caused by a virus. 3. Ringworm is caused by a fungus. Which are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically transmitted through contaminated water and food. Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus, which can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails caused by dermatophytes like Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. All three statements correctly identify the causative agents.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
Which of the following is absent in a prokaryotic cell?
A. Plasma membrane
B. Nucleoid
C. Nuclear membrane
D. Ribosomes

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus and nuclear membrane; their genetic material is concentrated in a nucleoid region. They possess ribosomes (70S), a plasma membrane, and usually a cell wall. The absence of membrane-bound organelles is a defining feature distinguishing them from eukaryotes. Thus, the nuclear membrane is absent.

This question belongs to: Science Biology