Which of the following is incorrect w.r.t competition ?

Options

A. Resources need not be limiting for competition to occur
B. Competitive species may evolve mechanism that promote their co-existance
C. Connel's field experiment is an example of competitive release
D. Only closely related species can show competition

Answer

To determine which statement regarding competition is incorrect, we will analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the concept of competition
Competition occurs when two or more species or individuals compete for the same limited resources such as food, shelter, or mates. This can happen between individuals of the same species (intraspecific competition) or between individuals of different species (interspecific competition).

**Hint:** Remember that competition is about the struggle for limited resources.

### Step 2: Analyze the first statement
The first statement claims that "the resources need not be limited for competition to occur." This is incorrect because competition typically arises when resources are limited. If resources are abundant, competition is less likely to occur.

**Hint:** Think about what drives competition – is it abundance or scarcity of resources?

### Step 3: Analyze the second statement
The second statement says, "competitive species may evolve mechanisms that promote their coexistence." This is a correct statement. Species can adapt and evolve traits that allow them to coexist despite competition, such as resource partitioning.

**Hint:** Consider how species adapt to share resources rather than compete directly.

### Step 4: Analyze the third statement
The third statement refers to Connell's field experiment as an example of competitive release. This is also correct. Connell's experiment demonstrated how one species could thrive when another competing species was removed, showcasing competitive release.

**Hint:** Recall the experiment that showed the effects of removing a species on the remaining species.

### Step 5: Analyze the fourth statement
The fourth statement states, "only closely related species can show competition." This is incorrect. Competition can occur between both closely related species and distantly related species. Therefore, this statement is not true.

**Hint:** Think about whether competition is limited to species that are similar or if it can occur across diverse species.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all statements, the incorrect statement regarding competition is: **"only closely related species can show competition."**

### Final Answer
The incorrect statement is: **"only closely related species can show competition."**

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