---
title: "Competition — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Competition is when organisms fight over limited resources like food and water. Learn how it shapes ecosystems, drives resource partitioning, and shows up on the AP Enviro exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/competition"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Competition — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Competition occurs when two or more organisms compete for limited resources such as food, water, territory, or mates.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.1 Introduction to Ecosystems](/ap-enviro/unit-1/intro-ecosystems/study-guide/IR1y6F8EcTH2cQsPbCHQ)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Intraspecific competition: This type of competition occurs between individuals of the same species.
- Interspecific competition: This type of competition occurs between individuals of different species.
- Resource partitioning: Resource partitioning refers to the division of limited resources among competing organisms to reduce direct competition.