In an aquarium two herbivorous species of fish are living together and feeding on phytoplankton. As per Gause’s Principle, one of the species is to be eliminated in due course of time, but both are surviving well in the aquarium. Give possible reasons.
Each species has a specific position or functional role within the community, called niche. According to the Gause’s principle, no two species can live in the same niche. In this case, two herbivorous species are living in the same niche and feeding on phytoplanktons. It may be because of the availability of sufficient phytoplanktons and or less number of individuals of the fish species. Of the two species might have occurred and though neither of the species have been eliminated, niche overlapping may effect the growth and development of individuals of the species.