Competition

• What is competition in ecological terms?

  Competition is a biotic limiting factor resulting from interactions between living organisms.
• What are the two main types of competition?

  • Interspecific competition: competition between different species.
  • Intraspecific competition: competition between members of the same species.
• What occurs during interspecific competition?

  Different species compete for the same resource, reducing availability for both populations.
• How does the grey squirrel's ability to store fat affect its survival?

  It increases its chances of survival and ability to reproduce, boosting its population.
• What is an example of interspecific competition in the UK?

  The competition between red and grey squirrels for food and territory.
• Why did the red squirrel population decline in the UK?

  The grey squirrel, which was introduced, can eat a wider range of food and is larger.
• What happens if one species is better adapted than another in interspecific competition?

  The less well adapted species is likely to be outcompeted and may decline in number.
• What is the competitive exclusion principle?

  It states that the species that uses resources more effectively will eliminate the other in competition.
• What is intraspecific competition?

  • Competition among members of the same species for the same resource.
  • Resource availability determines population size.
  • Greater availability supports larger populations.
• What are the stages of intraspecific competition over time?

  1. Stage 1: Resource is plentiful, population increases.
  2. Stage 2: Increased population leads to limited resources, population decreases.
  3. Stage 3: Smaller population reduces competition, allowing for population growth.
  4. Cycle repeats.
• What is competition in ecological terms?

  Competition is a biotic limiting factor resulting from interactions between living organisms.
• What are the two main types of competition?

  • Interspecific competition: competition between different species.
  • Intraspecific competition: competition between members of the same species.
• What occurs during interspecific competition?

  Different species compete for the same resource, reducing availability for both populations.
• What is the outcome of interspecific competition when two species compete for the same food source?

  There will usually be less food available for both species, leading to smaller populations.
• What happens if one species is better adapted than the other in interspecific competition?

  The less well adapted species is likely to be outcompeted and may decline in number.
• What is an example of interspecific competition in the UK?

  The competition between red and grey squirrels for food and territory.
• What is the competitive exclusion principle?

  It states that the species that uses resources more effectively will eliminate the other in competition.
• Why did the red squirrel population decline in the UK?

  The grey squirrel, which was introduced, can eat a wider range of food and is larger.
• How does the grey squirrel's ability to store fat affect its population compared to the red squirrel?

  It increases the grey squirrel's chances of survival and reproduction, boosting its population.
• What is intraspecific competition?

  • Competition among members of the same species for the same resource.
  • Resource availability determines population size.
  • Greater availability supports larger populations.
• How does resource availability affect population size in intraspecific competition?

  More available resources lead to larger populations, while limited resources decrease population size.
• What are the stages of intraspecific competition over time?

  1. Stage 1: Plentiful resources lead to population growth.
  2. Stage 2: Increased population leads to limited resources and population decrease.
  3. Stage 3: Smaller population reduces competition, allowing for population growth.
  4. The cycle repeats.
• What happens in Stage 1 of intraspecific competition?

  When resources are plentiful, all organisms can survive and reproduce, increasing population size.
• What occurs in Stage 2 of intraspecific competition?

  As the population increases, resources become limited, leading to a decrease in population size.
• What is the outcome in Stage 3 of intraspecific competition?

  With a smaller population, there is less competition, allowing more organisms to survive and reproduce.