Sea Anemones compete for the territory in tide pools

Competition is an interaction between organisms or species, in which the fitness of one is lowered by the presence of another. Limited supply of at least one resource (such as food, water, and territory) used by both is required.^[1] Competition both within and between species is an important topic in ecology, especially community ecology. Competition is one of many interacting biotic and abiotic factors that affect community structure. Competition among members of the same species is known as intraspecific competition, while competition between individuals of different species is known as interspecific competition. Competition is not always a straightforward, and can occur in both a direct and indirect fashion.

According to the competitive exclusion principle, species less suited to compete for resources should either adapt or die out. According to evolutionary theory, this competition within and between species for resources plays a critical role in natural selection.

[edit] Types of competition

[edit] By mechanism

The following terms describe mechanisms by which competition occurs, which can generally be divided into direct and indirect. These mechanisms apply equally to intraspecific and interspecific competition.

Male-male competition in red deer during rut is an example of interference competition within a species.

[edit] Intraspecific competition

, they will usually perform less well than if they grew by themselves. Adaptations to such an environment include growing taller (especially in forests), or developing a larger root system.

[edit] Interspecific competition

Trees in this Bangladeshi forest are in interspecific competition for light.

to alter populations, communities and the evolution of interacting species.

An example among animals could be the case of cheetahs and lions; since both species feed on similar prey, they are negatively impacted by the presence of the other because they will have less food. In fact, lions sometimes steal prey items killed by cheetahs.

[edit] Evolutionary strategies

In Robert MacArthur]] and E. O. Wilson.^[2]

In [[r/K selection algebra, as illustrated in the simple Verhulst equation of population dynamics:^[3]

where r is the growth rate of the population (N), and K is the carrying capacity of its local environmental setting. Typically, r-selected species exploit empty niches, and produce many offspring, each of whom has a relatively low probability of surviving to adulthood. In contrast, K-selected species are strong competitors in crowded niches, and invest more heavily in much fewer offspring, each of whom has a relatively high probability of surviving to adulthood.

[edit] See also

• Biological interaction
• Character displacement
• Minimum viable population
• Resource partitioning

[edit] References