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Question #46613
The Question
Two closely related lizard species, Species A (eurythermal) and Species B (stenothermal), coexist in a scrub forest by exhibiting spatial resource partitioning based on micro-climatic thermal gradients. Species B strictly occupies a narrow, cooler microhabitat under dense canopy. If a sustained environmental warming event eliminates this cooler micro-climatic zone, which of the following ecological outcomes is most likely according to Gause’s and Shelford’s principles?
Options
- A.
Species B will undergo competitive release and expand its realized niche into the warmer zones.
- B.
Resource partitioning will fail, leading to the competitive exclusion of Species B due to its narrow thermal tolerance.
- C.
Both species will immediately exhibit character displacement to re-establish a new thermal equilibrium.
- D.
Species A will experience a reduction in its fundamental niche due to increased interspecific competition.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Thermal Tolerance Ranges|Allen’s Rule|Optimal Foraging Theory
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often view 'Resource Partitioning' as a permanent, static solution to competition.
This question tests the realization that partitioning is contingent on abiotic factors (like temperature).
When the abiotic baseline shifts, the biotic interaction reverts to intense competition.
Furthermore, it tests the distinction between fundamental niche (physiological potential) and realized niche (actual ecological role), highlighting that stenothermal organisms lack the physiological plasticity to simply 'shift' their niche when their specific microhabitat disappears.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Organisms and Populations - Class 12 |
| Concept | Thermal Tolerance Ranges |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |