What term describes the struggle between organisms for limited resources?

The term that describes the struggle between organisms for limited resources is competition. In ecological contexts, competition occurs when multiple organisms rely on the same resources, such as food, water, shelter, or light, leading to interactions that can impact their survival and reproductive success. This phenomenon can occur within species (intraspecific competition) or between different species (interspecific competition).

Understanding competition is vital in ecology because it helps explain population dynamics and community structures. Organisms that are better adapted to acquire resources may thrive and reproduce, while others may struggle, illustrating the fundamental principles of natural selection and resource allocation in ecosystems.