24.2 - Competition

Question 1

What are the two types of competition?

Answer 1

Interspecific: competition BETWEEN different species

Intraspecific: competition WITHIN species

Question 2

Explain Interspecific competition

Answer 2

• When 2+ species compete for the same resource
• = reduction of resource available
• If one species is better adapted, the less well adapted species will be outcompetes.

Competitive exclusion principle: where 2 species competing for limiting resources will lead the less adapted species to elimination

Question 3

Describe Intraspecific Competition

Answer 3

• Members of same species compete for resources
• Availability determines population size
• results in fluctuations of population over time

Stage 1) when resource is plentiful + all organisms can survive and reproduce = increased population size

Stage 2) Increased population, more individuals to share resources (now limited) = decrease population

Stage 3) Less competition = smaller population = less competition for resources = more organisms survive repeats = increase of population size

CYCLE REPEATS