# Explain how the concept of resource partitioning allows multiple species of closely related birds to coexist within the same woodland habitat.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — B4.2 Ecological niches · Explain · 4 marks

> In a temperate woodland, several species of warbler feed on insects found in the same trees. Observations show that each species forages at a characteristic height within the canopy and uses a distinct foraging behaviour.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Resource partitioning means that species divide up available resources so that each species exploits a different portion of those resources
2. Each warbler species occupies a distinct ecological niche, differing in foraging height and/or behaviour, reducing niche overlap
3. Reduced niche overlap decreases interspecific competition between the warbler species
4. With interspecific competition sufficiently reduced, competitive exclusion does not occur and species coexist stably in the same habitat

## Key terms

- [resource partitioning](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/resource-partitioning)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-concept-of-resource-8a141a07) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.