Rivalry often occurs between members of the same species within an ecological community, for example a pride of lions. These individuals compete for limited resources like food, shelter and mates. When food is limited, the environment can only feed so many individuals of the same species. This results in the survival of the fittest, only those capable of winning against their counterparts survive. Similar regulation occurs when individuals compete over shelter for raising young. This is often occurs with young male lions; Animals that lose are driven from the group and from the area. Another type of competition is when different species of animals are in competition together for food, water and space. Woodpeckers and squirrels often compete for nesting rights in the same holes and spaces in trees, while the lions and cheetahs of the African savanna compete for the same antelope and gazelle prey. Animals of different species typically compete with each other only for food, water and shelter. Some scientists believe that it is competition that drives the evolutionary process of animals developing and adapting to the problems in their community. The wisest, strongest, quickest and most beautiful are the winners. Take the giraffe for example, whose evolution of its long neck makes it possible to eat foods with little to no competition. As an herbivore, it completes with other grazing herbivores such as zebras and antelope for food. Giraffes with longer necks are able to reach the leaves of high tree branches, giving them access to more food and a better chance of passing their genetics on to their offspring. Whenever there are limits to resources, there will always be some kind of competition.
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |