Competition

Definition

Competition is the interaction between organisms or species in which they vie for the same resources, such as food, space, or mates, often resulting in a struggle for survival. This concept is essential for understanding community-level dynamics and biodiversity impacts as it influences species distribution, population dynamics, and ecological interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Competition can be classified into two main types: intraspecific competition (within the same species) and interspecific competition (between different species).
2. The intensity of competition can affect community structure by influencing species diversity; high competition often leads to reduced diversity as dominant species outcompete others.
3. In some cases, competition can drive evolutionary changes as species adapt to reduce overlap in resource use or develop new strategies for survival.
4. Competition plays a critical role in shaping ecosystem dynamics by determining which species thrive in particular environments, thus influencing overall biodiversity.
5. Human activities that alter habitats can intensify competition among species, often leading to declines in biodiversity and shifts in community composition.

Review Questions

• How does competition influence the distribution of species within an ecosystem?
  • Competition influences species distribution by determining which organisms can survive and thrive in specific environments. When two species compete for the same resources, one may outcompete the other, leading to a decline in the less competitive species. This dynamic shapes community structure and affects biodiversity by allowing only those species that can effectively utilize available resources to flourish.
• What are the implications of the Competitive Exclusion Principle on biodiversity in ecosystems?
  • The Competitive Exclusion Principle suggests that when two species compete for identical resources, one will ultimately prevail while the other is driven to extinction or forced to find alternative resources. This principle has significant implications for biodiversity because it indicates that ecosystems with high levels of niche differentiation are more stable and diverse. It highlights the importance of diverse resource utilization among coexisting species, which can promote greater overall biodiversity.
• Evaluate how resource partitioning can mitigate the effects of competition among closely related species.
  • Resource partitioning allows closely related species to coexist by adapting their resource use to minimize overlap and competition. By utilizing different resources or exploiting the same resource at different times or locations, these species reduce direct competition and increase their chances of survival. This adaptive strategy not only enhances individual fitness but also contributes to greater community diversity, demonstrating how ecological interactions like competition can lead to evolutionary changes that promote biodiversity.

Related terms

Resource Partitioning: A process where competing species adapt to use different resources or the same resource in different ways to minimize competition.

Competitive Exclusion Principle: The ecological principle stating that two species competing for the same limited resource cannot coexist at constant population values; one will outcompete the other.

Niche: The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem, encompassing its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.