NECO 2002 Biology · Question 31

The interaction between members of the same population over scarce resources is called

Options

  1. A.behavioural adaptation
  2. B.inter-specific competition
  3. C.intra-specific competition
  4. D.morphological variation
  5. E.structural adaptation

Answer: C. intra-specific competition

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing interaction between members of the same population (same species) over scarce resources (food, water, space, mates, light).

Step 2: Concept Competition is an ecological interaction in which organisms strive for the same limited resources. It comes in two types:

  • Intra-specific competition: between individuals of the same species. "Intra" means within. Example: two cockerels fighting over the same hen, or maize plants on a crowded farm competing for light and nutrients.
  • Inter-specific competition: between individuals of different species. "Inter" means between. Example: lions and hyenas competing for the same prey.

Step 3: Solve

  • A. Behavioural adaptation: a change in behaviour that helps survival (e.g., migration). It is not an interaction over resources. ✗
  • B. Inter-specific competition: involves different species, but the question says the same population. ✗
  • C. Intra-specific competition: same species competing for limited resources. ✓
  • D. Morphological variation: differences in form or structure among individuals. ✗
  • E. Structural adaptation: a body feature that aids survival (e.g., webbed feet). ✗

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. intra-specific competition.

Tip: Remember the prefixes: INTRA = INSIDE the species, INTER = BETWEEN species (think "international" means between nations). Whenever a question says "same population" or "same species," look for "intra."

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