Competition (biology)

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Competition within and between species is an important topic in biology, especially in the field of ecology. Competition among members of the same species is known as intraspecific competition. Competition is also present between species; in these cases, it is known as interspecific competition. First, a limited amount of resources, such as food, water, and territory are available, and several species may depend on these resources. Thus, species, and often individuals within a species, compete to gain these resources. As a result, several species less suited to compete for the resources may 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

• Interference competition - occurs directly between individuals via aggression etc. when the individuals interfere with foraging, survival, reproduction of others, or by directly preventing their physical establishment in a portion of the habitat.

• Exploitation competition - occurs indirectly through a common, limiting resource, which acts as an intermediate. For example the use of the resource(s) depletes the amount available to others, or they compete for space.

• Apparent competition - occurs indirectly between two species which are both preyed upon by the same predator.

[edit] See also

• Minimum viable population
• Extinction