2. Use an example to describe how resource scarcity, competition, and survival are connected. Be sure to write in complete sentences and define each term.
Resource scarcity, competition, and survival are interconnected concepts that play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and outcomes within populations and ecosystems.
Resource scarcity refers to the limited availability of necessary resources (such as food, water, space, or mates) relative to the population's demand or needs. It occurs when there is insufficient quantity or quality of resources to meet the requirements of all individuals within a population.
Competition arises when individuals or species vie for the same limited resources. It involves interactions where organisms attempt to gain access to resources, such as by occupying territories, foraging for food, or attracting mates. Competition can be intense when resources are scarce, compelling individuals to engage in various strategies to outcompete others and secure essential resources.
Survival, in this context, refers to the ability of individuals or species to successfully acquire and utilize resources necessary for their sustenance and reproduction, allowing them to persist and pass on their genes to future generations. Survival is directly linked to resource scarcity and competition because individuals with better access to resources and superior competitive abilities are more likely to thrive and survive compared to those with limited resources or weaker competitive abilities.
To illustrate these concepts, let's consider a population of lions in a savannah ecosystem. Food (in this case, herbivores like zebras and gazelles) is a crucial resource for the lions. Suppose there is a drought, leading to a decrease in the availability of water and grass, which are essential for the herbivores' survival. This scarcity of resources increases competition among the herbivores, as they have to fight over the limited food sources and watering holes.
As a result, the lions also face intensified competition to secure enough prey and water. Those lions that are more effective in hunting and defending resources are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass their genes on to the next generation. Meanwhile, lions with inadequate access to resources may struggle to find sufficient food, become weaker, and ultimately face a higher risk of starvation or death.
In this example, the interplay between resource scarcity, competition, and survival demonstrates how limited availability of resources drives competition and ultimately influences the survival and persistence of individuals or species within a population or ecosystem.