What is an Ecosystem? Differentiate between Interspecific & Intraspecific Competition? | Query Point Official

What Is an Ecosystem? Differentiate Between Interspecific & Intraspecific Competition

Definition of an Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) interacting with each other and with their non‑living (abiotic) environment, such as air, water, soil, and climate. It includes both biotic (living) components and abiotic (non‑living) components that influence the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients. Ecosystems can vary in size from a small pond to an entire forest or ocean, but all function as systems in which organisms and the environment are interconnected.

What Is Competition in an Ecosystem?

In ecosystems, organisms often compete for limited resources like food, space, water, or light. When resources are in short supply, individuals must compete to survive, grow, and reproduce. This competition can occur either within the same species or between different species, and both types affect population sizes and community dynamics.

Intraspecific Competition

Intraspecific competition occurs when individuals of the same species compete for the same limited resources within an ecosystem. Because members of the same species have very similar requirements (for food, mates, territory, etc.), this type of competition can be intense.

Example: A group of deer competing for the same water source during a dry season, or many oak seedlings growing close together and competing for sunlight and nutrients.

Interspecific Competition

Interspecific competition occurs when individuals of different species compete for shared resources in the same ecosystem. This happens when the resources needed by different species overlap (such as food, space, or light), leading to competition that can impact growth, survival, and reproduction for one or both species.

Example: Lions and hyenas competing for the same prey in a savanna, or different plant species (e.g., grasses and shrubs) competing for water and nutrients in the soil.

Key Differences Between Interspecific & Intraspecific Competition

• Who is Competing: Intraspecific involves members of the same species; interspecific involves individuals from different species.
• Resource Requirements: Same species share nearly identical resource needs; different species may have overlapping but not identical requirements.
• Intensity: Intraspecific competition is often stronger because individuals have more similar needs.
• Ecological Impact: Interspecific competition can affect community composition and species diversity, while intraspecific competition regulates population size and growth.

Why Competition Matters

Competition in ecosystems drives natural selection and adaptation. Intraspecific competition influences which individuals within a species are most fit, while interspecific competition can shape species distributions, coexistence, and evolutionary changes over time. These interactions help determine community structure and biodiversity.

FAQ

What are biotic and abiotic components?

Biotic components are living parts of an ecosystem (plants, animals), while abiotic components are non‑living factors like sunlight, water, and minerals. Together they determine the ecosystem’s functioning.

Can interspecific competition lead to species extinction?

Yes, if two species compete for a limited resource and one is consistently more successful, the less competitive species may decline or become locally extinct — this is known as the competitive exclusion principle.

Which type of competition is stronger?

Intraspecific competition tends to be more intense than interspecific competition because members of the same species have identical resource needs.

Related Topics

See Biology Notes & MCQs for more topics on ecology, ecosystems, and species interactions.

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