Final answer:
Competition and predation both significantly affect ecosystem dynamics, but in different ways. Competition is when species compete for the same resources, while predation involves a predator controlling prey populations, which can affect competition among the prey species for resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the impact of competition to the impact of predation on an ecosystem, it's important to understand the different roles each plays in maintaining ecological balance. Competition occurs when different species rely on the same limiting resource, affecting each other's ability to survive and thrive. In contrast, predation involves a predator organism feeding on prey, which directly influences prey population dynamics and can indirectly affect the competition between prey species for resources. One well-documented example of predator-prey dynamics is the relationship between the lynx and the snowshoe hare. These populations cycle approximately every 10 years, with the lynx population typically lagging one to two years behind the hare population. As hare numbers increase, so does the lynx population due to the abundance of food.
However, once the lynx population reaches a threshold, intense predation pressure causes the hare population to decline, subsequently leading to a reduction in the lynx population due to food scarcity. Predators can also be keystone species, having a significant impact on the ecosystem's balance. For instance, the removal of wolves can lead to an overpopulation of prey species like deer, causing them to overgraze and potentially deplete vegetation. This exemplifies how predators help maintain species diversity and control prey abundance, thereby also influencing competition among prey species for limited resources.