What does the competitive exclusion principle state?

The competitive exclusion principle asserts that when two species compete for the same limited resources, one species will ultimately outcompete the other, leading to the extinction of one of the species in that niche. This phenomenon can occur because each species typically has specific adaptations that allow it to utilize resources more efficiently or to thrive in particular environmental conditions. When they compete for the exact resources, such as food, habitat, or other necessities, the better-adapted species will usually gain a significant advantage, potentially leading to the decline and eventual extinction of the less competitive species.

This principle underscores the importance of resource allocation and the dynamics of interspecies competition in ecological communities. It illustrates the idea that no two species can permanently occupy the same niche while competing for the same resources; energetic and functional overlaps lead to one species monopolizing the available resources, thus driving the other species out.