TeXes Science Practice Test

In the context of ecological competition, what limits species A's range?

1. Superiority in resource utilization

2. Abiotic factors

3. Reproductive success

4. Migration patterns

The correct answer is: Abiotic factors

In ecological competition, the range of a species is often influenced significantly by abiotic factors, which are the non-living conditions that affect the organism's environment. These factors include temperature, moisture, sunlight, soil chemistry, and availability of nutrients. When these abiotic conditions are not favorable for species A, its range can be restricted, as it may struggle to survive and reproduce. For instance, if species A requires a specific temperature range to thrive, any deviation from that range due to climate conditions will limit its distribution. Similarly, if the soil lacks the necessary nutrients for species A, it cannot establish itself in that area. The presence of such limiting abiotic factors plays a crucial role in determining where a species can successfully exist and compete with others. In contrast, factors like superiority in resource utilization, reproductive success, and migration patterns tend to be more relevant in defining the competitive interactions among different species rather than solely limiting the geographical range of a single species. While these factors are important in the context of ecological interactions, they do not directly account for the fundamental constraints imposed by the physical environment on species distribution.