Which of the following is most true about interspecific competition?
A- It involves interaction between individuals of the same species
B- it's the greatest among organisms that occupy different ecological niches
C- it can be easily demonstrated to occur in natural environments
D- it's the greatest between organisms that physically share similar ecological niches
The truest factor about interspecific competition is that; it is the greatest between organisms that physically share similar ecological niches. Interspecific competition is a term basically used in ecology, in which the other relative term to it is intraspecific competition. However, interspecific competition refers to a scene whereby organisms in different species compete for a similar resource, such as space and food, while the act whereby similar organisms in similar species compete for the resource is known as intraspecific competition.
For example, a lion and leopard or probably tiger belongs to the same genus but different species. Therefore, a situation whereby they compete for prey together is referred to as interspecific competition. Also, considering a taller tree among others in a forest, the taller tree has more access to sunlight than others. Therefore, this is also referred to as interspecific competition. Interspecific competition usually occurs when there are limited resources.
The interspecific competition involves a form of rivalry in which individuals of different species are vying for the same resources in an ecosystem (food or living space). On the other hand, competition between members of the same species is called intraspecific competition. Interspecific competition ensues when individuals of two separate species are sharing limited resources in the same area.
Interspecific competition has the capacity to alter populations, communities, and the evolution of interacting species. Also, leopards and lions can take part in interspecific competition. Both species consume the same prey and can be negatively affected by the presence of the other because it means that they will have less food.