The basic principle of competitive exclusion in ecology suggests that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist indefinitely. This principle, also known as Gause's law, states that one species will outcompete the other, leading to extinction or niche differentiation. It highlights the importance of resource allocation and specialization in ecosystems, where species adapt to exploit different ecological niches. Understanding competitive exclusion is essential for studying community dynamics, species interactions, and biodiversity conservation efforts.