What does ecological character displacement aim to reduce?

Ecological character displacement focuses on the differences that evolve between similar species when they coexist in the same environment, as a way to minimize competition for resources. When two species compete for the same niche, natural selection can favor individuals that adopt different traits or behaviors, which allows them to exploit different resources more effectively. This divergence often results in reduced niche overlap between the two species, leading to less direct competition for resources like food or habitat.

This process is significant for maintaining biodiversity, as it helps both species coexist by occupying slightly different ecological roles, reducing competition that would otherwise limit their populations or drive one species to extinction. The aim of ecological character displacement is therefore to create distinctions that allow each competing species to thrive within the same ecosystem, ultimately enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.