What is the competition that occurs between different species called?

The competition that occurs between different species is referred to as interspecific competition. This type of competition takes place when individuals of different species vie for the same resources, such as food, space, or light, which can lead to a variety of ecological outcomes. Interspecific competition is a crucial factor in shaping community structure and species distribution within ecosystems, as it can influence the population dynamics of the involved species.

When two species compete, the outcome can affect their survival and reproductive success, leading to resource partitioning or even competitive exclusion in some cases, where one species outcompetes another to the extent that the less competitive species diminishes in number or even disappears from that habitat over time. Understanding interspecific competition is essential in ecology as it demonstrates the interplay between species and their environment, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the complex relationships within ecosystems.