Competition

Definition

Competition is the struggle between organisms for limited resources in an ecosystem, such as food, space, and mates. This interaction can affect species distribution, community structure, and the overall dynamics of ecosystems. Understanding competition is vital to grasp how species coexist and how ecological relationships shape biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Competition can lead to competitive exclusion, where one species outcompetes another for resources and drives it to extinction in that niche.
2. Resource partitioning often occurs as a result of competition, allowing different species to coexist by utilizing resources in different ways or at different times.
3. Competition can influence evolutionary processes through natural selection, as species adapt traits that enhance their ability to compete for limited resources.
4. The intensity of competition can vary based on environmental conditions and resource availability, often affecting population dynamics.
5. In ecosystems with high biodiversity, competition can foster specialization, which helps species avoid direct competition and enhances ecosystem resilience.

Review Questions

• How does competition shape the structure of ecosystems and influence species interactions?
  • Competition shapes ecosystems by determining which species thrive or decline based on their ability to secure limited resources. Interspecific and intraspecific competition drive natural selection, leading to adaptations that can either enhance resource use or minimize overlap between species. This dynamic interaction can influence community composition and biodiversity within an ecosystem.
• Discuss how resource partitioning relates to competition and what implications it has for species diversity within an ecosystem.
  • Resource partitioning arises from competition as different species develop strategies to utilize resources without directly competing with one another. For example, two bird species might feed on the same tree but occupy different heights. This adaptation allows for greater biodiversity within an ecosystem because it reduces direct competition and enables coexistence. Consequently, resource partitioning contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems by supporting a wider range of species.
• Evaluate the role of competition in driving evolutionary changes among species in response to environmental pressures.
  • Competition plays a critical role in evolution by acting as a selective pressure that influences the development of traits beneficial for resource acquisition. As organisms adapt to compete more effectively—whether through changes in morphology, behavior, or physiology—these adaptations can lead to speciation or shifts in population dynamics. Over time, this ongoing evolutionary arms race among competing species shapes biodiversity and community structure within ecosystems.

Related terms

Interspecific Competition: Competition that occurs between different species vying for the same resources in an ecosystem.

Intraspecific Competition: Competition that occurs among individuals of the same species for resources such as food, mates, or territory.

Niche: The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.