NEET BIOLOGY

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ECOLOGY

ECOSYSTEM

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The overlap of barnacle species on intertidal rocks was investigated in a classic study by Joseph Connell. He observed that Chthamalus inhabited the upper strata of intertidal rocks and Balanus inhabited the lower strata of the intertidal rocks. While Chthamalus could survive on both upper and lower strata, Balanus could only survive in the lower strata without drying out. If Balanus was removed from the lower strata, Chthamalus was able to occupy both upper and lower strata. Which of the following statements is supported by this evidence?
A
The upper strata and lower strata of intertidal rocks was the realised niche of Chthamalus
B
Resource partitioning was occurring between the two species.
C
The upper strata and lower strata of intertidal rocks was the fundamental niche of Chthamalus.
D
The study showed intraspecific competition between the barnacles
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Connell performed a variety of experiments in which he moved the barnacles to different levels of the intertidal zone. He also experimentally removed one species or the other where the two were growing together, and observed the results of putting the two species together.

Detailed explanation-2: -Here Connell’s Elegant field experiment showed that on rocky sea coasts of Scotland, the larger and superior barnacle Balanus dominates the intertidal area, and excludes the smaller barnacle Chathalamus from that zone.

Detailed explanation-3: -Complete answer: On the Rocky sea coast of Scotland, Connel’s field experiment shows that the larger and the superior barnacles (Balanus) dominate the area which is intertidal and eliminates the smaller barnacles (Chthamalus) from that zone, Hence it shows competition exclusion.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main purpose of this study was to de-termine the cause of death of those Chthamalus that settled below M.H.W.N. A study which was being carried on at this time had revealed that physical conditions, competition for space, and predation by the snail Thais lapillus L.

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