What does competition refer to in ecological terms?

In ecological terms, competition refers specifically to the scenario where organisms vie for the same limited resources, such as food, water, space, or nutrients. This competition can occur among individuals of the same species (intraspecific competition) or between different species (interspecific competition). The key aspect of competition is the struggle for scarce resources, which can influence population dynamics, community structure, and the evolutionary adaptations of species.

This understanding is critical in ecology because it highlights how resource limitations in an environment shape the interactions among organisms. When resources are limited, organisms must compete, which can lead to various adaptations, including changes in behavior, physiology, or reproductive strategies. Thus, the definition of competition encapsulates the competitive dynamics that are intrinsic to ecological interactions and the survival of species.