In a Simple Laboratory Experiment, a Researcher Maintained Two Different

Multiple Choice

In a simple laboratory experiment, a researcher maintained two different species of single-celled protists, Paramecium caudatum and Paramecium aurelia . He recorded population growth of each species individually and then mixed a similar number of individuals from each population and recorded their growth rates when living together. The graphs below represent the results of this experiment.

Based on the graph of the mixed culture, what can you determine about the niche for each individual species?

A) There is a large amount of niche overlap.
B) There is minimal niche overlap.
C) Competition for resources is partitioning the available niches.
D) Intraspecific competition is reducing niche overlap.