<P> The term niche differentiation ( synonymous with niche segregation , niche separation and niche partitioning ) , as it applies to the field of ecology , refers to the process by which competing species use the environment differently in a way that helps them to coexist . The competitive exclusion principle states that if two species with identical niches ( i.e. , ecological roles ) compete , then one will inevitably drive the other to extinction . When two species differentiate their niches , they tend to compete less strongly , and are thus more likely to coexist . Species can differentiate their niches in many ways , such as by consuming different foods , or using different parts of the environment . </P>
<P> The term niche differentiation ( synonymous with niche segregation , niche separation and niche partitioning ) , as it applies to the field of ecology , refers to the process by which competing species use the environment differently in a way that helps them to coexist . The competitive exclusion principle states that if two species with identical niches ( i.e. , ecological roles ) compete , then one will inevitably drive the other to extinction . When two species differentiate their niches , they tend to compete less strongly , and are thus more likely to coexist . Species can differentiate their niches in many ways , such as by consuming different foods , or using different parts of the environment . </P>
states that two species can not coexist in the same niche indefinitely
states that two species can not coexist in the same niche indefinitely
competitive exclusion principle
competitive exclusion principle