In the context of ecological niche theory, two species can coexist in the same habitat if their niches are:
Correct: C
According to the competitive exclusion principle (Gause's Law), two species competing for exactly the same resources cannot stably coexist in the same habitat—one will eventually outcompete and eliminate the other. Therefore, for stable coexistence, species must exhibit niche differentiation or niche partitioning, meaning their niches differ in at least one dimension such as food source, time of activity, spatial habitat use, or foraging behavior. This reduces direct competition and allows both species to persist.