Competitive exclusion occurs as a result of which of the following?

• A. Two species competing for the same limited resource, leading to the elimination of one species
• B. Mutualistic interactions between two different species
• C. The accumulation of beneficial mutations in a single population
• D. Random genetic drift in small populations

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of competitive exclusion: This principle states that two species competing for the exact same limited resource cannot coexist indefinitely in the same niche. One species will outcompete the other, leading to the elimination of the less competitive species.
2. Analyze the first option: 'Two species competing for the same limited resource, leading to the elimination of one species.' This directly aligns with the definition of competitive exclusion, as it describes the competition for resources and the resulting elimination of one species.
3. Evaluate the second option: 'Mutualistic interactions between two different species.' Mutualism refers to a relationship where both species benefit, which is unrelated to competition or exclusion. This option does not describe competitive exclusion.
4. Evaluate the third option: 'The accumulation of beneficial mutations in a single population.' This describes evolutionary processes like adaptation or natural selection, not competitive exclusion, which involves interactions between two species.
5. Evaluate the fourth option: 'Random genetic drift in small populations.' Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to interspecies competition or resource exclusion. This option does not describe competitive exclusion.