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).
A species realized niche is usually much narrower than its theoretical "niche width" as it is forced to adapt its niche around superior competing species.
Niche dynamics assume differences among species in their fundamental niche which should give rise to patterns in the abundance and distribution of species (i.e. their realized niches).