Intraspecific competition

Definition

Intraspecific competition occurs when members of the same species vie for the same resources in an ecosystem. This can affect population size and individual fitness within the population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intraspecific competition can lead to decreased growth rates and reproductive success among individuals.
2. It is a density-dependent factor, meaning its impact intensifies as the population density increases.
3. Resources typically competed for include food, water, shelter, and mates.
4. This type of competition can result in natural selection favoring traits that improve competitive ability.
5. Intraspecific competition can contribute to stabilizing population sizes by limiting excessive growth.

Review Questions

• How does intraspecific competition differ from interspecific competition?
• What are some resources that organisms might compete for within their own species?
• Why is intraspecific competition considered a density-dependent factor?

Related terms

Interspecific Competition: Competition between different species for shared resources.

Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support.

Density-Dependent Factors:

Factors whose effects on the size or growth of the population vary with the population density.