Question

Is competition more acute between the individuals of the same species or those of different species? Explain.

Answer 1

1. Competition is more acute between individuals of the same species (intraspecific competition) than between individuals of different species (interspecific competition).
2. It is because members of the same species have identical or very similar requirements for resources like food, space, and mates, leading to more direct and intense competition.
3. In contrast, different species may occupy slightly different niches, reducing overlap and competition intensity.
4. Gause’s competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche permanently due to intense competition; one species may be forced to migrate, evolve, or face extinction if niches overlap too closely.