any biology majors??

Question

i kno this is really random and a long shot but im suck on a question for my bio final study guide...
"which species would have the highest levels of interspecific competition in a community?"
i ve asked my TA, ive googled/yahoo'd it... NOTHING!
please helP!!!

Answer 1

That is an extremely open question. Does it have any limits like if it has to be an animal or even better if it gives a list of species to choose from?

It also will vary with in different community's. But under most conditions there is most interspecific competition in 1st order heterotrophs. They are likely to share a common food source, liveing space and nesting sights.

Edit: (in response to formerly_bob)
If fundamental niche over lap is existent it results in a shift of a realized niche, its imposable to have 2 perfect competitors one or both of the species would be extirpated from the community.

Anyhow if their wasn't overlap in their niches they wouldn't be competitors. Interspecific competition can be defined as the struggle between 2 different species in the same geographical location to fulfil a common realized niche.

Answer 2

Competition is greatest in species that have the most overlap in their niches, particularly if both species are specialists. If species are not specialists, they might be able to switch to another habitat or food source, etc. to reduce competition. Intense interspecific competition occurs commonly with food, but also can occur with shelter or breeding areas.