Intraspecific competition

Definition

Intraspecific competition is the interaction between individuals of the same species competing for limited resources such as food, space, and mates. This competition can influence population size, distribution, and evolutionary adaptations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intraspecific competition can lead to density-dependent regulation of population size.
2. It often results in natural selection where only the fittest individuals survive and reproduce.
3. Resource scarcity intensifies intraspecific competition and can limit reproductive success.
4. Intraspecific competition can cause behavioral changes such as territoriality or social hierarchies.
5. This type of competition is a key factor in limiting population growth and maintaining ecological balance.

Review Questions

• How does intraspecific competition affect population size?
• What role does resource availability play in intraspecific competition?
• How can intraspecific competition drive evolutionary changes within a species?

Related terms

interspecificCompetition: Competition between different species for shared resources.

carryingCapacity: The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely given available resources.

densityDependentFactors: Factors whose effects on the size or growth of a population vary with the population density.