Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Gause's competitive exclusion principle states that two closely related species competing for different resources cannot exist indefinitely.
Statement II: According to Gause's principle, during competition, the inferior will be eliminated. This may be true if resources are limiting
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To analyze the given statements, let's break them down concerning Gause's competitive exclusion principle:

1. Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle: This principle posits that two species that compete for the exact same resources cannot stably coexist. One will outcompete and exclude the other in a stable situation.

Examining the statements:

Statement I: It claims that two closely related species competing for different resources cannot coexist indefinitely. This misinterprets Gause's principle since species competing for different, not the same, resources have a chance to co-exist, potentially through niche differentiation or resource partitioning. Thus, Statement I is false.

Statement II: It correctly indicates that during competition, if resources are limiting, the inferior species might be eliminated. This interpretation aligns with Gause's principle. Thus, Statement II is true.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: Statement I is false but Statement II is true.

Answer 2

Assertion and Reasoning:

• Statement I: Gause’s competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for different resources can coexist indefinitely. 
  Conclusion: False.
• Statement II: In cases of competition for limiting resources, one species may outcompete the other, leading to the elimination of the inferior competitor. 
  Conclusion: True.

Thus, the correct answer is (4) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.