Theoretical Basis of my Study:
One theoretical perspective of my study is the ecological perspective, which emphasizes the interactions between an individual and their environment. My research also uses the competitive exclusion principle, which says that if two species occupy the same niche (compete for the same resources), they cannot coexist. In my study, the two species coexist, which implies that they do not share identical resource needs. This is further supported by the ecological niche theory, which states that a community is made up of a limited number of niches, each occupied by a single species. Both types of lizard in my area of study must be part of a slightly different niche, therefore coexisting. The adaptation theory is also useful for my study. The invasive species originate from Europe and have had to adapt to the conditions of Victoria. In studying the way these lizards have adapted upon their introduction to Canada, I may be able to better understand the relationship between these lizards and the native ones.
Ideas Underpinning my Research:
My study focuses on the differences between the native and invasive species of lizard present in my area of study and the environments in which each tend to inhabit more commonly. My experiment tests the pattern of lizard species inhabitation. A big part of my study is that although one species of lizard is invasive, it does not necessarily pose a threat to the native species.
Keywords: Native species, Invasive species, competition, adaptation, species interaction