G-1-7 Principle of Competitive Exclusion


 

g.1.7.

Explain the principle of competitive exclusion.

 

-Competitive Exclusion is sometimes reffered as Gauses Law (of competitive exclusion)

  

The law states that if two competitors are dependent on the same resource, one of the species will overcome the other and lead it to extinction.

 

"complete competitors cannot exist."

 

http://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/chapters02/035.html

One example of competitive exclusion (from the site above) :

 

 Squirrels in Britain

 

 

The Red Squirrel

(Sciurus vulgaris) is native to Britain but its population has declined due to competitive exclusion, disease and the disappearance of hazel coppices and mature conifer forests in lowland Britain.

The Grey Squirrel

(Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced to Britain in about 30 sites between 1876 and 1929. It has easily adapted to parks and gardens replacing the red squirrel.

 

 

 

Example: Squirrels in Britain

The Red Squirrel

The Grey Squirrel

 (Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced to Britain in about 30 sites between 1876 and 1929. It has easily adapted to parks and gardens replacing the red squirrel. (Sciurus vulgaris) is native to Britain but its population has declined due to competitive exclusion, disease and the disappearance of hazel coppices and mature conifer forests in lowland Britain.