<P> To answer questions about niche differentiation, it is necessary for ecologists to be able to detect, measure, and quantify the niches of different coexisting and competing species . This is often done through a combination of detailed natural history studies, controlled experiments (to determine the strength of competition), and mathematical models (Strong 1982, Leibold 1995). To understand the mechanisms of niche differentiation and competition, much data must be gathered on how the two species interact, how they use their resources, and the type of ecosystem in which they exist, among other factors . In addition, several mathematical models exist to quantify niche breadth, competition, and coexistence (Bastolla et al. 2005). However, regardless of methods used, niches and competition can be distinctly difficult to measure quantitatively, and this makes detection and demonstration of niche differentiation difficult and complex . </P> <P> Over time, two competing species can either coexist, through niche differentiation or other means, or compete until one species becomes locally extinct . Several theories exist for how niche differentiation arises or evolves given these two possible outcomes . </P> <P> Niche differentiation can arise from current competition . For instance, species X has a fundamental niche of the entire slope of a hillside, but its realized niche is only the top portion of the slope because species Y, which is a better competitor but cannot survive on the top portion of the slope, has excluded it from the lower portion of the slope . With this scenario, competition will continue indefinitely in the middle of the slope between these two species . Because of this, detection of the presence of niche differentiation (through competition) will be relatively easy . It is also important to remember that there is no evolutionary change of the individual species in this case; rather this is an ecological effect of species Y out - competing species X within the bounds of species Y's fundamental niche . </P> <P> Another way by which niche differentiation can arise is via the previous elimination of species without realized niches . This asserts that at some point in the past, several species inhabited an area, and all of these species had overlapping fundamental niches . However, through competitive exclusion, the less competitive species were eliminated, leaving only the species that were able to coexist (i.e. the most competitive species whose realized niches did not overlap). Again, this process does not include any evolutionary change of individual species, but it is merely the product of the competitive exclusion principle . Also, because no species is out - competing any other species in the final community, the presence of niche differentiation will be difficult or impossible to detect . </P>

Successfully dividing up resources so that populations are no longer in competition is called