Competition!

Competition Competition – When organisms fight for the same resources. E.g. foxes and black bears live in basically the same habitat.  Each survives by having its own niche: eating different food, coping with winter differently, etc. - Sometimes organisms eat the same food or want to live in exactly the same area.

What kinds of competition can you think of?

Competition 2 types of competition: Interspecific Competition - When two organisms of different species compete. E.g. Owls and hawks eat mice. If each animal runs out of other food sources they will compete for food. This could result in some animals not having enough food to survive. It could also lead to fights between these animals.

Name a few other inerspecific competition examples -

Competition Intraspecific Competition - When two organisms of the same species compete. E.g. Two lions fighting over a mate This could result in one not being able to have offspring

Name a few other intraspecific competition examples -

Competition is considered a “good thing” It limits or removes weaker organisms and creates a healthier population. It leads to “survival of the fittest” scenario. Only those who can out-compete their rivals will live to reproduce and pass their “good” characteristics onto the next generation.

Survival of the fittest

Activity For each of the following animals list: It’s habitat.  Important abiotic factors.  Important biotic factors.  An intraspecific and interspecific competitor.  Two resources it would compete for  Two tools that would help when competing.

Habitat: Abiotic factors: Biotic factors: Competitors: Resources: Intraspecific Interspecific: Resources: Tools:

Habitat: Abiotic factors: Biotic factors: Competitors: Resources: Intraspecific Interspecific: Resources: Tools:

Habitat: Abiotic factors: Biotic factors: Competitors: Resources: Intraspecific Interspecific: Resources: Tools:

Habitat: Abiotic factors: Biotic factors: Competitors: Resources: Intraspecific Interspecific: Resources: Tools:

How Wolves change Rivers http://explorecuriocity.org/Explore/ArticleId/2879/how-wolves-change-rivers-2879.aspx Journal Entry How did the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone effect the park in a good way? How would you think a rancher living near the park where wolves were reintroduced would feel about the presence of wolves?