大象传媒

Adaptations, interdependence and competition - EdexcelCompetition in animals

Organisms depend on each other for survival. This is called interdependence. Both living and non-living factors will affect the abundance and distribution of organisms in a habitat.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Ecosystems and material cycles

Competition in animals

Food

All animals require food which provides them with energy and raw materials to complete , without which they may die. Because of these, competition for food can be fierce. There are many birds which eat insects in our gardens, and some have evolved to only eat certain types of insect to reduce competition from other . Others like the blue tit and great tit compete with other members of their own species and as well as others for different insects. Because food is so vital, many animals will fight for it.

Mates

Two male dear rutting.
Figure caption,
Male deer compete for mates by locking antlers and pushing their opponent - the strongest usually wins

Animals within a species also compete for mates. This is essential so they can pass on their to their offspring. Animals have evolved to have an innate or natural drive to reproduce, and this competition often results in fights. This is seen each year when animals like red deer group together at the start of the mating season. Large male deer fight with each other by locking antlers and pushing hard, which is called a rut. In deer, and many others species, these fights competing for mates can often result in serious injury or death, but benefits the population as only the strongest pass on their genes to the next generation.

Territory

The territories of animals contain all of the resources and conditions they need to survive. These include factors such as light, temperature and water, and oxygen for aquatic animals. These are also factors such as food and predators. Many animals, including the cats in back gardens, will fight for territory.

An example of over territory would be between lions on the grass plains of Africa whereas interspecific competition would occur when another like leopards lived close to the lions.