Competition (Biology)

Key Stage 3

Competition is when two or more living creatures struggle against each other to get the same things.

Competition is when different organisms within a community or population are seeking the same limited resource.

Competition happens because there is not enough of a resource to keep all of the organisms within a community or population alive.

When organisms compete for the same resource some will lose and others will win. This is referred to as survival of the fittest.

Competition drives the process of natural selection.

Animals within a population compete for limited food supplies.

Some different species of animals may compete for the same food supply.

Animals compete for mates through either violence against their competitors or sexual displays to entice their potential mate.

Animals also compete for territory. This helps secure food, mates and resources in the environment.

Plants may compete for light for photosynthesis by growing taller and with a wider coverage of leaves than other plants.

Plants compete for water and minerals so they grow deep and broad roots to collect as much as possible.