What is the definition of competition in ecology?

The definition of competition in ecology is fundamentally about individuals attempting to use the same limited resource. This concept highlights the struggle among organisms, whether they are the same species or different species, for resources such as food, water, space, or nutrients that are not abundant enough to satisfy all of their needs.

In ecosystems, when multiple organisms vie for the same resource, it can lead to decreased availability for each competitor, potentially limiting their growth, reproduction, and survival. This competitive interaction is a critical component of ecological dynamics, influencing population sizes and community structures.

Other options reflect different types of species interactions. For example, a relationship benefiting both species refers to mutualism, while one organism feeding on another describes predation. These interactions are important in ecology but do not define competition, which is specifically about resource use and the interactions that arise from that competition.