Exploitative Competition: A Battle for Resources
Intraspecific Competition: Within-Species Rivalry
Within species, individuals compete for the same limited resources within their environment. This intraspecific exploitation competition can lead to reduced growth and reproduction, as well as increased mortality rates.
Interspecific Competition: Between-Species Rivalry
Resource Competition
Interspecific exploitative competition, also known as resource competition, occurs when two or more species directly compete for the same resource. This can include food, water, shelter, or other essential resources.
Habitat Sharing
Interspecific competition can also occur even when species do not directly consume the same resources, but they cohabit in the same ecological area. This competition can lead to changes in species distribution, behavior, or abundance.
Population and Community Dynamics
Intraspecific competition has significant implications for population and community dynamics. It influences population density, age structure, and sex ratios. Similarly, interspecific competition can shape community composition, diversity, and trophic interactions.
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