Competition & Role Of Environment

Question 1

Describe the key features of the environment.

Answer 1

• Heterogenous
• Favourable & unfavourable patches
• May only be available for limited time
• Unpredictable
• Systems rarely reach equilibrium
• Timing matters.

Question 2

What conclusions can be made from Tansley’s 1971 study?

Answer 2

• Presence or absence of species can be determined by competition with other species
• Conditions of environment affect the outcome of competition
• Present segregation of species may have resulted from past competition.