Final answer:
Competition between members of the same species is often caused by shared territory, similar reproductive strategies, and limited resources, leading to conflict over space, mates, and essential survival necessities like food and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors likely to cause competition between two members of the same species living in a certain habitat include shared territory, similar reproductive strategies, and the abundance of resources. Shared territory leads to direct competition for space, be it for living or for resources like food and nesting areas. Similar reproductive strategies might cause individuals to compete for mates. Abundance of resources can occasionally lead to competition if the resources become limited. However, it is usually the lack of resources that heightens competition, as organisms strive to secure what is necessary for survival.
- Shared territory along with overlapping needs for food and nesting space often leads to direct competition between species.
- Similar reproductive behaviors can result in competition for the right to mate with potential partners.
- Lack of resources, rather than abundance, typically creates significant competition as organisms attempt to secure essential survival necessities.
Instances of competition can be seen when seeds of two plants land near each other and one outcompetes the other for sunlight and nutrients, when male lions vie for mating rights, or when types of fish compete for the same food source. The species that is better able to adapt and compete for these resources often has a survival advantage.