What type of interaction occurs between organisms competing for the same limited resources?

The interaction that occurs between organisms competing for the same limited resources is termed competition. During this interaction, individuals or populations strive to acquire the same resources, such as food, water, space, or light, which are in short supply. This struggle can significantly influence the distribution and abundance of species within an ecosystem.

Competition is a natural phenomenon that can lead to various outcomes. For instance, one species may outcompete another for resources, which can result in a decline in the population of the less competitive species or can lead to niche differentiation where species adapt to utilize different resources or occupy different habitats.

Other types of interactions, such as mutualism, commensalism, and predation, involve different relationships among organisms. Mutualism benefits both parties, commensalism benefits one without affecting the other, and predation involves one organism hunting and consuming another. Therefore, competition specifically relates to the scenario where organisms vie for identical resources.