Why is competition considered a limiting factor within an ecosystem?

• A. It restricts the availability of resources such as food, water, and space, thereby limiting population growth.
• B. It increases the genetic diversity of a population by promoting random mating.
• C. It eliminates all predators from the ecosystem, allowing prey populations to grow unchecked.
• D. It ensures that all species in the ecosystem have equal access to resources.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of competition in an ecosystem: Competition occurs when organisms vie for the same limited resources, such as food, water, space, or mates. This interaction can happen within a species (intraspecific competition) or between different species (interspecific competition).
2. Identify why competition is considered a limiting factor: A limiting factor is any environmental condition that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population. Competition limits population growth by reducing the availability of essential resources.
3. Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each statement to determine its accuracy based on biological principles. For example, competition does not increase genetic diversity or eliminate predators; instead, it restricts resource availability.
4. Focus on the correct explanation: The correct answer is that competition restricts the availability of resources such as food, water, and space, thereby limiting population growth. This aligns with the definition of a limiting factor in ecology.
5. Conclude by connecting competition to ecosystem dynamics: Explain that competition plays a critical role in shaping population sizes, species interactions, and the overall balance of ecosystems. It ensures that resources are distributed based on survival and reproductive success, rather than equal access.