Which of the following statement is correct ?

Options

A. Two species within a given community can have exactly the same niche
B. Two species within a given community cannot have exactly the same niche
C. Two species ca live permanently togetherr
D. Both (2) & (3)

Answer

To determine which statement is correct regarding species and their niches, we can analyze each option step by step:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Concept of Niche**:
- A niche refers to the role or function of an organism within its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.
- Each species has unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in its specific niche.

2. **Evaluating the First Statement**:
- "Two species within a given community can have exactly the same niche."
- This statement is incorrect because if two species had the same niche, they would compete for the same resources, leading to one species outcompeting the other.

3. **Evaluating the Second Statement**:
- "Two species within a given community cannot have exactly the same niche."
- This statement is correct. According to the competitive exclusion principle, two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely if their niches are identical.

4. **Evaluating the Third Statement**:
- "Two species can live permanently together."
- This statement can be true, but it depends on the context. Species can coexist if they occupy different niches or have different resource requirements.

5. **Evaluating the Fourth Statement**:
- "They cannot have exactly the same niche but they can live permanently together."
- This statement is also correct. Species can coexist if they have different niches, allowing them to utilize different resources.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct statement is the second one: "Two species within a given community cannot have exactly the same niche." This is supported by ecological principles that explain species interactions and resource competition.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement is: **"Two species within a given community cannot have exactly the same niche."**