The graph above shows the population growth curves of Paramecium aurelia and Paramecium caudatum cultures after they were mixed together. This graph can be used to illustrate the principle of
competitive exclusion.
Competitive exclusion is a concept in ecology that states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist indefinitely. In this case, when Paramecium aurelia and Paramecium caudatum cultures were mixed together, their population growth curves show that one species eventually outcompetes the other, leading to a decline in the population of the less competitive species. This can be seen in the graph where the population of Paramecium aurelia increases while the population of Paramecium caudatum decreases after they are mixed together.
This graph demonstrates how competition for resources can lead to one species dominating and excluding the other from the ecosystem. This is a fundamental principle in ecology and helps to explain patterns of species distribution and abundance in nature.