What are three possible long-term consequences of two species occupying the same niche?

1 answer

1. Competition: The two species may compete for the same resources, such as food, water, or shelter. This can lead to a reduction in the availability of these resources, and ultimately, one or both species may suffer from resource depletion. This can lead to decreased growth rates, decreased reproductive success, and decreased survival rates.

2. Predation: If two species occupy the same niche, one may become a predator of the other, leading to a decrease in the prey population. This can have a ripple effect on the ecosystem, as the loss of a particular prey species may affect the survival of other species that rely on it for food.

3. Evolution: Over time, two species occupying the same niche may evolve to become more specialized and adapted to their specific niche. This can lead to the development of new structures or behaviors that allow each species to better compete for resources and survive in their ecosystem. However, this can also result in one species outcompeting the other and driving it to extinction.