Competition

Definition

Competition refers to the struggle between organisms for limited resources in an ecosystem, such as food, water, light, and space. This interaction influences species distribution, population dynamics, and community structure, ultimately shaping the functioning of ecosystems. It drives natural selection, leading to adaptations that help species survive in their environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Competition can be intra-specific (within the same species) or inter-specific (between different species), affecting how populations grow and survive.
2. Species often evolve adaptations to minimize competition, such as differences in feeding habits or reproductive strategies.
3. In ecosystems with high competition, some species may become dominant while others may be excluded or become less common.
4. Resource partitioning is a common strategy used by species to reduce competition by utilizing different resources or habitats.
5. Competition plays a crucial role in biodiversity; it can lead to speciation when populations adapt to exploit different niches.

Review Questions

• How does competition influence the structure of communities within an ecosystem?
  • Competition influences community structure by determining which species are able to coexist and thrive in a given environment. When resources are limited, only those species that can efficiently utilize those resources will survive. This can lead to the exclusion of less competitive species and result in a more homogenous community dominated by a few competitive species.
• Evaluate the role of resource partitioning in mitigating competition among similar species in an ecosystem.
  • Resource partitioning is a significant mechanism that reduces competition among similar species by allowing them to utilize different resources or occupy different habitats. This can lead to the coexistence of multiple species within the same ecosystem, promoting biodiversity. By diversifying their resource use, these species can minimize direct competition and increase their chances of survival.
• Analyze how competition and natural selection interact to shape evolutionary processes in ecosystems.
  • Competition and natural selection are closely linked processes that drive evolution. In an environment where multiple species vie for limited resources, individuals with advantageous traits that enhance resource acquisition are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this selective pressure leads to the adaptation of species to better exploit available resources or adapt to competitors. As a result, competition not only influences population dynamics but also plays a critical role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of organisms within ecosystems.

Related terms

predation: The interaction where one organism, the predator, hunts and consumes another organism, the prey, impacting population sizes and community dynamics.

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

symbiosis: A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological species, which can include mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.