Competition (populations and sustainability)

Question 1

What is interspecific competition?

Answer 1

Occurs when 2 or more different species compete for the same resource

Question 2

If 2 species of organism are both competing for the same resource but one is better adapted, what will happen?

Answer 2

• Less well adapted species will be outcompeted
• If conditions remain the same, the less well adapted species will decline in number until it no longer exists in the habitat.

Question 3

What’s the competitive exclusion principle?

Answer 3

Where 2 species are competing for limited resources, the one that uses the resources more effectively will eliminate the other.

Question 4

What’s intraspecific competition?

Answer 4

• Members of the same species compete for the same resource
• Availability of resource determines population size

Question 5

Explain the effects of intraspecific competition over time (graph)

Answer 5

• Stage 1= resource is plentiful in habitat, all organisms have enough resource to survive& reproduce, increase population size
• Stage 2= Increased population means more individuals sharing food or space. Resources are now limited, not enough available for all organisms to survive. Results in population decrease.
• Stage 3= Less competition due to less organisms competing for the same resource. Means organisms can survive and reproduce causing population growth.

Question 6

How have predator organisms evolved?

How have prey organisms evolved?

Answer 6

Predator= Stealth, speed, fast reactions

Prey= Camouflage, mimicry, defence mechanisms eg spines