which of the following states that too closely related species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely and the competitively inferior one will be eventually eliminated?

Options

A. Mac Arthur principle
B. Gause's principle
C. Tilman's principle
D. Allen's rule

Answer

To solve the question regarding the principle that states that closely related species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about a principle related to competition among closely related species for the same resources. We need to identify the specific principle and the scientist associated with it.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**: The key terms in the question are "closely related species," "competing for the same resources," "cannot coexist indefinitely," and "competitively inferior."

3. **Recalling Relevant Principles**: One important ecological principle that addresses competition between species is the Competitive Exclusion Principle. This principle states that two species competing for the same limiting resources cannot coexist indefinitely if they have identical needs.

4. **Identifying the Scientist**: The Competitive Exclusion Principle was formulated by the scientist G.F. Gause. He conducted experiments with two species of Paramecium to demonstrate this principle.

5. **Summarizing the Findings**: In Gause's experiments, when two species of Paramecium were placed in the same environment with limited resources, one species outcompeted the other, leading to the eventual elimination of the less competitive species.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, the answer to the question is that the principle stating that closely related species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely is known as the Competitive Exclusion Principle, and it was proposed by G.F. Gause.

### Final Answer:
The principle is known as the **Competitive Exclusion Principle**, proposed by **G.F. Gause**.

---