24.2 Competition and predation

What are the 2 types of competition

Interspecific - members of different species competing for resources

Intraspecific - members of the same species competing for resources

How does interspecific/intraspecific competition affect population size

Reduction in resources e.g. food, shelter, water > reduces chances of survival and reproduction > limits growth = reduces overall population size 

What is the competitive exclusion principle 

-used to explain interspecific competition 

When 2 species compete for same limited resources the species that uses the resources more efficiently/ most well adapted will outcompete the less well adapted species 

>> population size of less well adapted species will decrease and eventually become extinct 

What are the intraspecific competition stages 

1. when resources are plentiful survival and reproduction increases 

>> increase in pop. size

2. A big population increases competition which reduces available resources 

>> decrease in pop. size 

3. A smaller population decreases competition so greater access to resources 

>> increase in pop. size 

What is predation 

When predators hunt and eat prey

Outline what the predator prey relationship is like 

1. Increase in prey pop. = provides food for predators so more survive and reproduce 

>> increase in predator pop. size 

2. More predators = more predation causing prey to die 

>> decrease in prey pop. size 

3. Reduction in prey = increases intraspecific competition for food amongst predators 

>> decrease in predator pop. size

4. Reduction in predators = prey survive and reproduce 

>> increase in prey pop. size