Bio 11/11

Introduction

• Competition is a key factor in natural selection, influencing traits and fitness.

• Ecologists analyze species interactions by evaluating costs and benefits.

• Understanding costs of intraspecific and interspecific interactions is crucial for community ecology.

Competition

General Definition

• Defined as a -/- interaction where both individuals involved incur costs.

• Competition arises for resources such as food, mates, and shelter.

• Two types:

  • Intraspecific (within species)

  • Interspecific (between species)

• Intraspecific could incur higher costs because of identical resource requirements.