The ability of two competing species (species 1 and species 2) to coexist in the
ID: 96881 • Letter: T
Question
The ability of two competing species (species 1 and species 2) to coexist in the same area and time depends on their respective competition coefficients (alpha_2 rightarrow 1 beta_1 rightarrow 2) and carrying capacities (K_1, and K_2). For the various conditions listed below, determine whether or not both species 1 and species 2 could invade an environment in which the other species already existed at or near its carrying capacity. You can use either phase state graphs or the table of inequalities given in lecture to make these determinations. Distinguish between 'interference competition' and 'exploitative competition' and give a biological example of each.Explanation / Answer
From the given values of carrying capacity and competition coefficient in the table we can determine whether species 1 will win or species 2 will or both will coexist in the given environment.
The different equations on which the conclusion is drawn are as follows:-
The Species 1 can contain Species 2 if K2 / < K1 and at the same time if K2 / > K1 the Species 1 cannot contain Species 2.
In the same manner Species 2 can contain Species 1 if K1 / < K2 and at the same time if K1 / > K2 the Species 1 cannot contain Species 2.
1. In the first case the values given are:
K1 = 100 and K2 = 100 and , = 0.1
K2 / = 1000 i.e, more than K1
K1 / = 1000 i.e, more than K2
Therefore there will be stable coexistence of both species.
2. K2 / = 400 K1 / =1600 Therefore there will be stable coexistence of both species.
3. K2 / = 1600 K1 / = 400 Therefore there will be stable coexistence of both species.
4. K2 / = 111.11 K1 / = 111.11 Therefore there will be stable coexistence of both species.
5. K2 / = 44.44 < K1 K1 / =177.77 > K2 In this case Species 1 will invade the environment.
6. K2 / = 177.77 > K1 K1 / =44.44 < K2 In this case Species 2 will invade the environment.
7. K2 / = 111.11 K1 / = 1000 Therefore there will be stable coexistence of both species.
8. K2 / = 44.44 K1 / =1600 In this case Species 1 will invade the environment.
9. K2 / = 1600 K1 / = 44.44 In this case Species 2 will invade the environment.
10. K2 / = 1000 K1 / = 111.11 Therefore there will be stable coexistence of both species.
11. K2 / = 400 > K1 K1 / = 177.77 > K2 Therefore neither species will contain the other and there will be stable coexistence.
2. There are three forms of competition- Interference competition, Exploitative competition and apparent completion. Interference competition occurs directly between individuals and exploitative competition and apparent completion do not occur directly between the species.
Interference Competition - The organisms fight directly for the limited resources like the plant species growing in same habitat will extract water and other resources from the soil and in this process they physically interfere with one another and will try to exclude one another from the habitat.
Exploitative Competition – This form of competition is more common. In this one species utilizes the resources and makes it unavailable for another species. For example, the plant species utilize the nitrogen resources from the soil making it unavailable for another plant species.
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