Competition

Definition

Competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which both parties seek to acquire the same resources, such as food, mates, or territory. This struggle influences natural selection, as those better adapted to outcompete others will survive and reproduce, thereby shaping the evolution of species over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Competition can lead to evolutionary adaptations, where species develop traits that improve their ability to secure resources more effectively than competitors.
2. In environments with limited resources, competition can result in significant behavioral changes in animals, influencing their foraging strategies and social structures.
3. The outcomes of competition can include resource partitioning, where species evolve to exploit different resources, reducing direct competition.
4. Competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same limited resources cannot coexist at constant population values; one will outcompete the other.
5. Invasive species can significantly alter competition dynamics in ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, often leading to declines or extinctions.

Review Questions

• How does competition influence natural selection and the evolution of species?
  • Competition plays a critical role in natural selection by determining which individuals have access to essential resources. Those organisms that are better equipped to compete will survive and pass on their advantageous traits to future generations. Over time, this process can lead to evolutionary changes within a species as they adapt to maximize their resource acquisition capabilities in a competitive environment.
• Discuss the implications of intraspecific and interspecific competition on population dynamics and community structure.
  • Intraspecific competition can lead to increased territoriality and social hierarchies within a species, as individuals vie for the same resources. Conversely, interspecific competition affects community structure by determining which species coexist in an ecosystem. Species may adapt to occupy different niches or alter their behaviors to minimize direct competition. The balance between these types of competition is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
• Evaluate how invasive species impact native communities through competition and the subsequent ecological consequences.
  • Invasive species often disrupt established ecosystems by outcompeting native species for limited resources such as food and habitat. This heightened competition can lead to declines in native populations and shifts in community composition. As invasive species thrive and native species struggle to compete, the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem may decrease, leading to altered food webs and potentially severe ecological consequences, such as loss of resilience against environmental changes.

Related terms

Intraspecific competition: Competition that occurs between individuals of the same species, often for limited resources like food, space, or mates.

Interspecific competition: Competition that takes place between individuals of different species, which can lead to resource partitioning or competitive exclusion.

Carrying capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support, often influenced by competition for resources.