Intra- vs Inter-specific Competition

Understanding Competition

In biology, competition refers to the struggle between organisms to obtain the same limited resources such as food, space, or mates. It is a key factor in natural selection and evolution.

Types of Competition

• Intra-specific Competition: This occurs between individuals of the same species. For example, two lions competing for territory.
• Inter-specific Competition: This occurs between individuals of different species. For example, a lion and a hyena competing for the same prey.

Effects of Intra-specific Competition

• Population Control: Helps regulate population size by limiting resources.
• Natural Selection: Favors individuals with advantageous traits that allow them to outcompete others.
• Resource Allocation: Leads to specialization and division of resources among individuals.

Effects of Inter-specific Competition

• Competitive Exclusion: One species may outcompete another, leading to the latter's decline or extinction in that habitat.
• Resource Partitioning: Species may evolve to exploit different resources or niches to reduce competition.
• Coexistence: Some species may coexist by occupying slightly different niches or using resources at different times.

Examples of Competition

Intra-specific: Two oak trees growing close together compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Inter-specific: A cheetah and a leopard both hunting the same type of antelope.