Resource Partitioning

Question 1

What is resource partitioning?

Answer 1

• the evolutionary process whereby species with similar requirements, living in the same habitat
• evolve specialised traits that enable them to utilise the resources differently
• creating separate niches to reduce interspecific competition and make coexistence possible

Question 2

What does resource partitioning contribute to?

Answer 2

• the great diversity of species on earth

Question 3

How can resources be partitioned?

Answer 3

• at different times
• in different parts of a habitat
• in different parts of the same plant

Question 4

What is stratification?

Answer 4

• the pattern of many different trees and other plants of varying size and species creating a vertical structure that divides the vegetation into layers

Question 5

How does light intensity differ in vegetation?

Answer 5

• the intensity of light diminishes as the rays pass through the different layers of forest vegetation

Question 6

How is light partitioned in plants?

Answer 6

• the different layers of vegetation are adapted to photosynthesis in different light intensities

Question 7

How are resources partitioned by giraffes and kudu in woodland savannah areas?

Answer 7

• kudu browse on the lower branches and giraffe on the upper branches