What Is Biological Competition?
Biological competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which both are harmed by their shared need for a limited resource. Resources can include food, water, territory, sunlight, or mates. This struggle for survival and reproduction negatively impacts the fitness (the ability to survive and reproduce) of the competing individuals.
Section 2: Types of Competition
There are two primary types of biological competition. Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species, such as two squirrels competing for the same acorns. Interspecific competition occurs between members of different species, like lions and hyenas competing for the same prey. Competition can be direct (interference competition, like fighting) or indirect (exploitative competition, like consuming a resource first).
Section 3: A Practical Example
A classic example of interspecific competition is between barnacles on a rocky shore. Two species, Chthamalus and Balanus, compete for limited space. Balanus is a better competitor and often crowds out Chthamalus in the lower tidal zones. However, Chthamalus can survive higher up on the rocks where it's too dry for Balanus, illustrating how competition can define a species' niche.
Section 4: Importance in Ecosystems
Competition is a fundamental driving force in ecology and evolution. It regulates population sizes, influences species distribution, and shapes community structure. Over long periods, intense competition can lead to evolutionary changes such as resource partitioning, where species evolve to use different resources, or character displacement, where competing species diverge in their physical traits.