What does niche differentiation involve?

Niche differentiation involves a process where species evolve different traits to reduce competition for resources. This occurs when two or more species that share a habitat utilize different resources or use the same resource in different ways, which allows them to coexist without directly competing for the same resources.

For instance, two bird species may occupy the same forest but feed on different seeds or insects available in various parts of the trees. By adapting their foraging strategies or physical traits, such as beak size, they can minimize overlap in resource use. This evolutionary mechanism increases biodiversity and enhances ecosystem stability by allowing multiple species to thrive within the same environment, ultimately leading to a more complex and resilient ecological community.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the concept of niche differentiation. Species extinction refers to the loss of species, which is the opposite of the coexistence promoted by niche differentiation. Adaptation leading to increased similarity among organisms contradicts the essence of niche differentiation, which is about evolving distinct traits. Lastly, a method of food production does not pertain to the ecological interactions and adaptations between species.