Competition

Definition

Competition refers to the struggle between organisms for limited resources such as food, space, and mates. This process is a key factor in natural selection and can shape community structures and species distributions. It influences biogeographical processes by determining which species thrive in specific environments, affects the dynamics of terrestrial biomes, and plays a crucial role in understanding the distribution of cosmopolitan and endemic species, as well as the development of climax communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Competition can be interspecific, involving different species, or intraspecific, occurring within the same species, impacting population dynamics and community structure.
2. The intensity of competition can influence evolutionary adaptations, driving species to develop traits that help them better exploit resources or avoid competitors.
3. Invasive species often succeed due to reduced competition in new environments, allowing them to outcompete native species for resources.
4. Resource partitioning allows different species to utilize the same environment by accessing different resources or occupying different niches, reducing direct competition.
5. Climax communities often emerge when competition has led to stable interactions among species, resulting in a mature ecosystem that can maintain its structure over time.

Review Questions

• How does competition among species affect their distribution and abundance in an ecosystem?
  • Competition among species can greatly impact their distribution and abundance by determining which species are better adapted to specific environments. Species that are more efficient at utilizing available resources may thrive, while others may be excluded or limited in their growth. This dynamic can lead to distinct community structures where certain species dominate while others persist in less favorable niches.
• Discuss the role of niche partitioning in reducing competition and its implications for biodiversity.
  • Niche partitioning plays a crucial role in reducing competition by allowing multiple species to coexist within the same habitat without directly competing for the same resources. This process can lead to increased biodiversity as different species adapt to occupy specific roles within their ecosystem. By utilizing different resources or adapting behaviors, these species can thrive alongside one another, contributing to a more stable and resilient ecosystem.
• Evaluate how competition influences the development of climax communities and the stability of ecosystems over time.
  • Competition is a significant factor influencing the development of climax communities, as it shapes the interactions among species striving for similar resources. Over time, intense competition can lead to a stable equilibrium where dominant species are well-adapted to local conditions, thus forming a climax community. This stability ensures that these ecosystems maintain their structure and function over long periods, provided that external disturbances do not disrupt these competitive relationships.

Related terms

Resource Availability: The extent to which essential resources like food, water, and habitat are accessible to organisms in an ecosystem.

Niche Partitioning: The process by which competing species divide resources to minimize competition and coexist within an environment.

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