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Competition

Competition occurs when organisms compete for limited resources. There are two types of competition: intraspecific competition, which is between members of the same species for resources like light or food, and interspecific competition, which is between different species for the same resources. The competitive exclusion principle states that species less adapted to compete for resources will die out over time unless they adapt by developing different characteristics to obtain resources, known as character displacement.

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334 views

Competition

Competition occurs when organisms compete for limited resources. There are two types of competition: intraspecific competition, which is between members of the same species for resources like light or food, and interspecific competition, which is between different species for the same resources. The competitive exclusion principle states that species less adapted to compete for resources will die out over time unless they adapt by developing different characteristics to obtain resources, known as character displacement.

Uploaded by

Ryan Negad
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NAME: COMPETITION IN ECOSYSTEMS 03/21

Competition in Ecosystems

Introduction

Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. One of the most
important interactions is competition. Competition occurs when organisms compete for the same limited
resources. This interaction can be between members of the same species (intraspecific) or between different
species (interspecific).

Types of Competition

Intraspecific competition: This occurs when members of the same species compete for the same resources.
For example, two trees may grow close together and compete for light. One may out-compete the other by
growing taller to get more available light. The organism that is better adapted to that environment is better
able to survive.

Interspecific competition: This occurs when individuals of different species compete for a limited resource in
the same area. One species will be better adapted to its environment and essentially "win" the competition.
The other species will have lower reproductive success and lower population growth, resulting in a lower
survival rate.

The Competitive Exclusion Principle

Ecologists developed the competitive exclusion principle, which states that species less suited to compete for
resources will either adapt, move from the area, or die out. In order for two species within the same area to
coexist, they may adapt by developing different specializations. This is known as character displacement. An
example of character displacement is when different birds adapt to eating different types of food. They can
develop different types of bills.

Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with the correct word or phrase.
Choose your answers from below:
COMPETITION RESOURCES PREY
SURVIVE SAME
CHARACTER DIE

1) _________________ occurs when organisms compete for limited resources.

2) Competition can occur between members of the ___________ species or between different species.

3) When two species within the same area have to coexist, they may adapt by developing different

specializations. This is known as _______________ displacement.


4) The competitive exclusion principle states that species less suited to compete for resources will either

adapt, move from the area, or ________________ out.

5) An example of interspecific competition is when cheetahs and lions compete for the same _________.

6) Intraspecific competition happens when members of the same species compete for the same _______.

7) The organism that is better adapted to its environment is better able to _______.

8) What is competition?
a. When organisms interact with each other
b. When organisms compete for the same limited resources
c. When organisms are in a contest for a prize

9) What is intraspecific competition?


a. When members of different species compete for the same resources
b. When members of the same species compete for the same resources
c. When organisms adapt to their environment

10) What is interspecific competition?


a. When members of the same species compete for the same resources
b. When members of different species compete for the same resources
c. When organisms adapt to their environment

11) What is the competitive exclusion principle?


a. Two species develop different specializations to coexist
b. One species is better adapted and out-competes the other
c. Species less suited to compete for resources die out or adapt

12) What is character displacement?


a. When different species develop similar specializations to coexist
b. When different species develop different specializations to coexist
c. When organisms adapt to their environment

13) What is an example of interspecific competition?


a. Two trees growing close together and competing for light
b. Cheetahs and lions competing for the same prey
c. Members of the same species competing for the same resources

14) What is the outcome of competition between two species?


a. Both species thrive
b. One species out-competes the other
c. both of the species die

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