AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -As we’ll see, two organisms with exactly the same niche can’t survive in the same habitat (because they compete for exactly the same resources, so one will drive the other to extinction). However, species whose niches only partly overlap may be able to coexist.

Detailed explanation-2: -Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species. For example, two male birds of the same species might compete for mates in the same area. This type of competition is a basic factor in natural selection.

Detailed explanation-3: -No two species can have the exact same niche, otherwise they would be in direct competition for resources with one another. If this occurs, then one species will outcompete the other. If the losing species then does not adapt, it would lead to its extinction.

Detailed explanation-4: -Competition occurs when two species each require a resource that is in short supply, so that the availability of the resource to one species is negatively influenced by the presence of the other species. It is a “-/-” interaction.

Detailed explanation-5: -Because competition is often more intense as population size increases (and/or resources diminish) – the effect of competition is often density-dependent, that is at higher population density competition increases. Will adversely effect survivorship and births, i.e. population size.