Question

Assertion: Intraspecific competition is always more than interspecific.
Reason: All members of a species have different requirements of resources.

• A. Both the assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
• B. Both the assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion
• C. The assertion is true but the reason is false
• D. Both assertion and the reason are false

Answer 1

The correct option is C The assertion is true but the reason is false

Competition is a type of population interaction in which the fitness of one species is significantly lower in the presence of another species. It occurs when more than one species compete for the same resources that are limiting and has a negative effect on both the interacting species (-/- interaction). It is of two types

• Competition between individuals of the same species is called the intraspecific competition. For example, deers in an area competing for the same food source (plants and plant products).
• Competition between individuals of different species is called the interspecific competition. For example, if a habitat has deers and rabbits, both species will competer for the same source of food.

Intraspecific competition is usually more intense than interspecific competition because the individuals have the same niche so are competing for exactly the same resources. It is more acute because all the organisms of the same species have similar requirements for food, space, light, water, shelter and matting, etc. When the competition is among different species, there are chances that other resources are also available for the survival of the species.