Intraespecific competition: what is, characteristics and examples

The Intraespecific competition It can be defined as the interaction that occurs between individuals of the same speciesfor the common need for a limited resourceessentially, and that leads to a reduction in survival, somatic growth and/or reproduction of individuals who compete, being able to regulate the size of communities and populations to stability (determined by load capacity).

Unlike competition, in the same species, there are also other types of Intraespecific relationshipspositive, based on cooperation or association, such as family associations. We recommend this other article to learn more about what intra -specific relationships and examples are, both of the positive and the negative ones.

Below are some of the main characteristics of intra -specific competition:

• It decreases the contribution of individuals to the next generation, that is, population growth, due to a decrease in their fertility and survival.
• It occurs only if the resource is limiting.
• The competition is for exploitation or by interference.
• Although there is reciprocity (as both competitors are affected), competition is usually asymmetric, since not all individuals respond equal to competition, they do not have the same physiological conditions
• It depends on the density (dens -dependent process). The higher the number of individuals, the greater the competition and population growth is stopped.
• The main reason that gives rise to this type of competition is an increase in the population. In fact, competition does not take place until a certain density threshold is reached. This makes resources limited. Since individuals of the same species intervene, competition is much more intense than when it occurs between individuals of different species.
• However, competition can be given, in addition to resources, for reproduction and social dominance.
• Competition can favor and increase the effectiveness of strong competitors, with respect to their weight in future generations.

Considering the type of relationship that takes place, whether direct or not, two can be established Types of competition within the same species:

• Intraespecific competition for exploitation: This type of interaction, not direct, arises when an individual consumes the appeal available and necessary for another individual.
• Intraespecific competence by interference: In this case, individuals fight, directly interfering with access to the food or territory of the other.

Territorialism is one of the best examples of intra -specific competence relationship by interference, which consists in an area or territory is defended by some individuals against others (rivals). Here are some Examples of animal competence:

• The hummingbirds They are very territorial, defend the flowers present in their territory, as they depend nectar that they contain.
• Beta fish (Betta Slpendens) aggressively defend the territory in which their nests are, protecting it from other males.
• Trucha populations They are subject to intra -specific competence relations. When the density is very high, the mortality rate is increased to compensate for this increase and populations are stabilized.
• Another example in this type of competence constitutes it The Dunar plant (Vulpia fasciculata). This species, when there are low densities, shows a fertility (in terms of seeds) constant. However, as the density increases, its population size is reduced. It is possible to think that fewer plants in one area will produce more seeds than a greater number of plants, just without space between them.

These are some of the main consequences or effects of intra -specific competence or within the same species:

• Intraespecific competition can affect individual growth and development. In fact, when the population density is low, individuals are larger and develop more quickly.
• It also reduces birth and fertility rates. Helping to regulate, therefore, the population size and total biomass of the population.
• Another possible consequence is that a greater exposure of prey to predators or greater susceptibility to disease contraction takes place.

The main difference between both types of competition is that the Intraespecific competition It takes place between individuals of the same specieswhile, the Interspecific competence is the one that occurs between individuals of different species.

In addition, the main reason promoted by competition is different depending on whether it is intra -specific or interspecific. Individuals of the same species compete in response to an increase in their population, unlike individuals of different species, who compete for lack of resources (food and habitat).

To go into more details, we recommend you read this other ecology article about interspecific competition: what is, characteristics and examples.

Now that you know all this about the competition between individuals of the same specieswe advise you to continue learning about the relationships of living beings and how ecosystems work with the reading of these other posts of ecology see:

• How an ecosystem works.
• Energy flow in ecosystems.
• Trophic relationships of ecosystems.
• Trophic levels in ecosystems: what are, what are and examples.
• What are trophic networks and examples.

If you want to read more articles similar to Intraespecific competition: what is, characteristics and exampleswe recommend that you enter our biology category.