What type of competition occurs between individuals or populations of different species for limited resources?

Interspecific competition refers to the competition that happens between individuals or populations of different species when they vie for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or space. This type of competition is significant in ecological dynamics because it drives natural selection and influences community structure and biodiversity.

When two species occupy the same niche or have overlapping resource requirements, they may compete directly or indirectly for these resources, which can affect their growth, reproduction, and survival rates. The concept of interspecific competition is fundamental to understanding how species coexist and the impacts of invasive species on native populations.

In contrast, intraspecific competition involves members of the same species competing amongst themselves, while interference competition focuses on one species actively preventing another from accessing resources. Exploitation competition refers to one species using up resources more effectively, which reduces availability for others. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing ecological interactions and population dynamics within ecosystems.