The type of cell division that reduces chromosome number by half is: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Explanation:
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.

Explanation:
Mitosis yields two identical diploid cells, important for growth/repair. Meiosis halves chromosome number. So 3 is incorrect.

Explanation:
Ethylene (C₂H₄) is the only gaseous plant hormone, known for promoting fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and senescence. Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, and abscisic acid are non-gaseous compounds. Ethylene is used commercially to ripen fruits like bananas and tomatoes.