Learning Objectives

14.1.1 Define the difference between exploitation competition and interference competition.

14.1.2 Analyze how and why competition can vary in its intensity.

14.1.3 Describe the importance of competition within communities.

The simple definition of competition as two or more species negatively affecting one another because of shared resources belies the complicated ways in which species actually compete with one another. Because resources are the mitigating factor in the interaction, and each species requires and obtains resources in different ways, the mechanisms used to compete and the intensity and ultimate outcome of competition can vary widely among species. Let's next consider some of the ways in which species compete.