Communities: Resources
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 7.1.2
Competition for Resources
Organisms need resources from both abiotic and biotic parts of an ecosystem to survive and reproduce. But resources are not infinite. Different species and different individuals compete for resources.
Competition between plants
- Plants often compete for water and mineral ions (minerals) from the soil, as well as for light and space.
Competition between animals
- Animals often compete for food, mates and territory.
Test yourself on Communities: Resources
Which of these resources do animals compete for in an ecosystem?
What resource do two plant species growing in the same patch of soil compete for, that animals never compete for?
Why do organisms in an ecosystem need to compete with each other?
What is most likely to happen to an organism that cannot get enough of a resource it needs, such as food or water?