Competition

Definition

Competition refers to the interaction between organisms or species that vie for the same resources, such as food, space, and mates. This interaction can influence population dynamics and community structure by affecting which species thrive or decline. In ecological networks, competition plays a critical role in shaping food webs and influencing biodiversity, as species adapt and evolve in response to competitive pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In ecosystems, competition can occur both within a species (intraspecific competition) and between different species (interspecific competition).
2. Strong competition can lead to competitive exclusion, where one species outcompetes another for resources, resulting in the local extinction of the less competitive species.
3. Resource availability significantly affects the intensity of competition; when resources are scarce, competition becomes more fierce among organisms.
4. Species may evolve various adaptations over time to minimize competition, such as changes in feeding habits, reproductive strategies, or habitat use.
5. Competition can drive biodiversity by encouraging niche differentiation and allowing multiple species to coexist in a shared environment.

Review Questions

• How does competition influence the structure of ecological communities?
  • Competition plays a vital role in determining which species dominate an ecological community. When multiple species compete for limited resources, it can lead to changes in population sizes and community composition. The outcomes of these competitive interactions can shape the overall biodiversity of the community, as some species may thrive while others decline or become extinct due to competitive pressures.
• Discuss the concept of resource partitioning and its relationship to competition among species.
  • Resource partitioning is a strategy employed by competing species to minimize direct competition for resources. By utilizing different resources or occupying different niches within the same habitat, species can coexist more effectively. This process reduces competition and allows for greater biodiversity within ecosystems as various species adapt to exploit specific niches tailored to their needs.
• Evaluate the impact of intense competition on ecosystem stability and diversity.
  • Intense competition can have mixed effects on ecosystem stability and diversity. While it may lead to competitive exclusion and the loss of less competitive species, it can also drive adaptation and niche differentiation among remaining species. This dynamic can contribute to higher levels of biodiversity if species evolve to occupy different niches. However, if resource availability is compromised due to external factors like climate change or habitat destruction, increased competition may destabilize ecosystems and reduce overall biodiversity.

Related terms

predation:

A biological interaction where one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, the prey.

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

resource partitioning: The process by which competing species utilize different resources or occupy different niches to reduce competition and coexist.