Gause's Principle

Definition

The ecological principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist permanently in a stable relationship.

Etymology

Named after Russian ecologist Georgii Gause, who first described the principle in 1934.

Example

Two species of beetle competing for the same food source will exhibit competitive exclusion, with one species outcompeting the other.

Related Terms

• Competitive Exclusion
• Interspecies Competition
• Resource Partitioning