Introduction to Competition

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on competition, including definitions and principles related to both interspecific competition and the consequences of competition among species.

Reproductive ratio of infection (R0)

A measure of the average number of secondary infections produced by a single infected individual in a completely susceptible population.

Interspecific competition

Non-trophic interaction between individuals of two or more species that negatively affects all involved by shared use of limiting resources.

Competitive exclusion principle

Two species that use a limiting resource in the same way cannot coexist indefinitely; the superior competitor will exclude the inferior competitor.

Resource partitioning

The division of resources among species to reduce competition, allowing them to coexist.

Character displacement

Evolutionary changes in competing species that lead to differences in their traits to minimize competition for resources.

Exploitation competition

Indirect competition through mutual effects on a shared resource, where both species reduce the availability of that resource.

Interference competition

Direct competition in which one species interferes with the ability of another species to use a shared resource.

Threshold density (ST)

The critical density of susceptible individuals needed for a pathogen to spread through a population.

Asymmetrical competition

A form of competition where one species is more severely affected than another by the competition for resources.

Competitive coexistence

A scenario where multiple species can persist in the same habitat despite competition for limiting resources.