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Q7(e):
Define the following term and give one example for it: Interspecific competition
Solution :
Definition of Interspecific Competition
Interspecific competition is defined as a biological interaction between individuals of different species occurring within a shared ecosystem, where the fitness of one species is significantly lowered by the presence of another. This interaction occurs when two or more distinct species compete for the same limiting resource—such as food, water, light, space, or nesting sites—that is in short supply [Per the Competitive Exclusion Principle].
Theoretical Framework: The Resource Limitation Model
Unlike intraspecific competition (which occurs among members of the same species), interspecific competition often results in one of three outcomes:
- Competitive Exclusion: If two species compete for the exact same resource, one will eventually drive the other to local extinction [Ref: Gause's Principle].
- Resource Partitioning: Species evolve to utilize different resources or forage at different times to minimize niche overlap [Ref: Character Displacement].
- Coexistence: A state where populations stabilize at lower levels due to shared resource restriction.
Illustrative Diagram: Niche Overlap
Example: Competition in Galápagos Islands
A classic empirical example of interspecific competition involves the Abingdon tortoise and goats on the Galápagos Islands. After goats were introduced to the island, they competed directly with the tortoises for the limited grazing vegetation available on the terrain.
| Competing Species | Shared Limiting Resource | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Abingdon Tortoise | Ground Vegetation (Grasses/Shrubs) | Population decline due to faster grazing rate of goats |
| Introduced Goats | Ground Vegetation (Grasses/Shrubs) | Population expansion due to higher browsing efficiency |
Mathematical Expression (Lotka-Volterra Model)
The intensity of interspecific competition is represented by the modified logistic growth equation for two species:
$$\frac{dN_1}{dt} = r_1N_1 \left( \frac{K_1 - N_1 - \alpha N_2}{K_1} \right)$$
Where:
- $N_1, N_2$: Population sizes of species 1 and 2.
- $K_1$: Carrying capacity for species 1.
- $\alpha$: Competition coefficient representing the effect of species 2 on species 1.
Final Solution: Interspecific competition is the fitness-reducing interaction between individuals of different species vying for the same limiting resource; an example is the competition between introduced goats and native tortoises for vegetation on the Galápagos Islands.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Organisms and Populations EXERCISES
- Q1: List the attributes that populations possess but not individuals.
- Q1: List the attributes that populations possess but not individuals.
- Q2: If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what is the intrinsic rate of increase (\(r\)) of the population?
- Q2: If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what is the intrinsic rate of increase ((r)) of the population?
- Q3: Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
- Q3: Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
- Q4: An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
- Q4: An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
- Q5: What is the ecological principle behind the biological control method of managing with pest insects?
- Q5: What is the ecological principle behind the biological control method of managing with pest insects?
- Q6: Define population and community.
- Q6: Define population and community.
- Q7(a): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (a) Commensalism
- Q7(a): Define the following term and give one example for it: Commensalism
- Q7(b): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (b) Parasitism
- Q7(b): Define the following term and give one example for it: Parasitism
- Q7(c): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (c) Camouflage
- Q7(c): Define the following term and give one example for it: Camouflage
- Q7(d): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (d) Mutualism
- Q7(d): Define the following term and give one example for it: Mutualism
- Q7(e): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (e) Interspecific competition
- Q8: With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population growth curve.
- Q8: With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population growth curve.
- Q9: Select the statement which explains best parasitism.
- Q9: Select the statement which explains best parasitism.
- Q10: List any three important characteristics of a population and explain.
- Q10: List any three important characteristics of a population and explain.
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Organisms and Populations
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
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