What is the process called when resources are divided among species with similar requirements?

Resource partitioning is a process that occurs when multiple species that share similar ecological niches divide resources among themselves to minimize competition. This can happen through various means, such as temporal differences in resource use (using the resource at different times), spatial separation (occupying different areas), or functional differentiation (utilizing the resource in different ways).

For example, different bird species might feed on the same type of insect but at different heights in the trees or during different times of the day. By partitioning the resources, these species can coexist in the same habitat without overly competing with one another for the same food source, allowing for more biodiversity and stability within the ecosystem. This differentiation enables them to avoid direct competition and helps maintain ecological balance.

The other concepts contrast with resource partitioning, as overexploitation pertains to the excessive use of resources that can lead to depletion, habitat fragmentation refers to the disruption of habitats into smaller, isolated patches affecting species survival and interactions, and competitive dominance describes situations where one species outcompetes others, potentially leading to the exclusion of those less competitive species.