Does competition occur only between members of the same species?

No, competition does not only occur between members of the same species. Competition can also occur between members of different species, as well as between members of the same species.

Competition between different species is called interspecific competition, while competition between members of the same species is called intraspecific competition. Interspecific competition occurs when two different species require the same resources, such as food, water, or habitat. Intraspecific competition occurs when two members of the same species require the same resources.

Competition can have negative effects on both species involved. For example, interspecific competition can lead to the extinction of one of the species, while intraspecific competition can lead to decreased population growth. However, competition can also have positive effects, such as promoting the evolution of new traits that allow species to better compete for resources.

In general, competition is an important force in shaping the structure of communities and the distribution of species.