The animal and plant biodiversity can be extremely high in a forest ecosystem. However, the ecosystem is constrained by limited nutrients, water, light, and space. Which of these best explains why many different species can live together within an ecosystem with limited resources?

A) Each species occupies a different niche.

B) Each species inhabits a different biome.

C) Each species lives in a slightly different habitat.

D) Each species reproduces at different times of the year.

Question

Biology

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22 February, 15:50

The animal and plant biodiversity can be extremely high in a forest ecosystem. However, the ecosystem is constrained by limited nutrients, water, light, and space. Which of these best explains why many different species can live together within an ecosystem with limited resources?

A) Each species occupies a different niche.

B) Each species inhabits a different biome.

C) Each species lives in a slightly different habitat.

D) Each species reproduces at different times of the year.

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Answers (2)

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Tamara Garcia · Answer 1

Each species occupies a different niche.

Explanation:

A niche is a role for a species within the ecosystem. These roles evolve due to differing selective pressures on species. The ability for a great diversity of species is due to the differences highlighted by genetic diversity and natural selection (selective pressures) with species in an ecosystem. Without these differing niches, competitive exclusion or reduced carrying capacity for all species would likely occur.