What term is used to describe the ecological relationship where organisms compete for the same resources?

The term that describes the ecological relationship where organisms compete for the same resources is competition. In ecological terms, competition occurs when individuals or populations vie for limited resources such as food, water, shelter, or mates. This interaction can happen within the same species (intraspecific competition) or between different species (interspecific competition).

Understanding competition is crucial in ecology because it can influence population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem health. For example, when two species compete for the same resource, one may be more successful in utilizing that resource, leading to a potential decline of the less competitive species. This interplay helps shape biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.

Other terms mentioned, such as commensalism and altruism, describe different types of ecological relationships that involve different dynamics, primarily involving cooperation or mutual benefits rather than competition. Predation is a relationship where one organism, the predator, feeds on another, the prey, which also differs significantly from competitive interactions.