Question

) Barnacles (hard-shelled marine invertebrates) live on rocks in the intertidal zone. In an experiment involving two species, Semibalanus balanoides and Chthamalus stellatus, they were found to be able to coexist. The Semibalanus species was found to have rapid growth, and the ability to crush slower-growing Chthamalus species. However, the Chthamalus species was found to tolerate dry conditions. These species were therefore found to exist in two distinct bands, one higher and one lower, in the intertidal zone. All of the following can be inferred from the above information regarding these competing barnacle species except

a. there is interspecific competition occurring.

b. they have similar fundamental niches.

c. their realized niche is smaller than their fundamental niche.

d. there is interference competition occurring.

e. they have evolved character displacement.

Answer 1

b. they have similar fundamental niches