Interference competition
- Pronunciation
- /in-ter-fer-ens kom-pi-ti-shun/
- Category
- Behavior
Definition
A type of competition where individuals of the same or different species directly interact and attempt to exclude each other from access to resources.
Etymology
From Latin 'inter-', meaning 'between', and 'interference' which refers to the act of hindering or obstructing.
Example
Interference competition occurs when two species of butterflies compete for the same patch of nectar on a flower.
Synonyms
- Aggressive competition
- Direct competition
Related Terms
- Resource partitioning
- Competitive exclusion
- Niche overlap
Usage Notes
Interference competition can involve physical contact, but it often involves behavioral interactions that reduce access to resources.