Educational Model: Interspecific Competition and Ecological Niche Partitioning
The model shows niche partitioning by two related species that differ in tolerance ranges to an important environmental factor.
This model is a component of the IUMC (Innovative Educational and Methodological Complex) "Ecology: Constructing the Biosphere," developed in 2008 by D. A. Shabanov, A. G. Kozlenko, and M. A. Kravchenko by order of the NTFP. The model is posted for educational use. The model demonstrates niche partitioning by two related species differing in tolerance ranges to a key environmental factor. The theoretical material is in the section "Competition and Ecological Niche" of the manual "Ecology: Biology of Interactions." The working area shows a shoreline segment with a moisture gradient. Seeds of two related plant species are introduced; the user sets each species’ moisture-tolerance range, after which competition is simulated along that gradient. Tolerance is adjusted using sliders in the tool area. Instructions are at the bottom of the model window; if they do not fit, scroll with the arrows on the right. To start, click the splash screen. Some tasks: by adjusting tolerance ranges, obtain three outcomes: (1) complete exclusion of one species by the other; (2) coexistence with niche partitioning; (3) probabilistic competition outcome. Determine which tolerance-range relations produce each result.