Competition in ecosystems
Competition will occur between organisms in an ecosystem when their niches overlap, they both try to use the same resource and the resource is in short supply.
Animals compete for food, water and space to live. Plants compete for light, water, minerals and root space.
Types of competition
The competition which occurs between organisms of different species for a common resource. occurs between individuals of different species.
The competition between organisms within the same species. occurs between individuals of the same species.
Intraspecific competition is usually more intense than interspecific competition because the individuals have the same niche so are competing for exactly the same resources.
Individuals that are better competitors will have a greater chance of surviving to reproduce and pass on their genes.
