What is the term used for competition among organisms of the same species?

Intraspecific competition refers to the competition that occurs between individuals of the same species. This type of competition is significant because it can heavily influence population dynamics and community structure within ecosystems. For example, when resources such as food, water, or space are limited, individuals of the same species may compete more intensely with each other, affecting growth rates, reproduction, and survival.

Intraspecific competition can lead to various ecological outcomes, including resource partitioning, where individuals adapt their behavior or traits to reduce overlap and minimize competition. It can also result in natural selection, where individuals that are better adapted to compete for resources are more likely to survive and reproduce, which can ultimately affect the evolutionary trajectory of the species.