Biosphere Contents

4. Interdependence

Different species often compete for the same resource base

Organisms from different species commonly share the same resources, which could include space, light, water, nutrients, or a common food item. These species will normally be in competition, even though the individuals concerned may never come into physical contact. In some cases a superior competitor is unaffected by the individuals it competes with, for example a mature tree which shades out small seedlings beneath it. This is sometimes referred to as amensalism (-0).

TreesGiraffe

Can you think of examples of different species competing for the same resource base?