Final answer:
Intraspecific competition within a species can occur when competing for mates, food, or territory, significantly affecting reproductive success and survival, contributing to the natural selection process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Members of the same species can compete in various ways for limited resources. Three such ways are:
- Competition for Mates: For instance, two male birds of the same species might compete for mates in the same area through displays of plumage or song, influencing their reproductive success.
- Competition for Food: Two types of fish eating the same kind of food could display intraspecific competition, where one species is better at gathering food than another, impacting growth and survival.
- Competing for Space or Territory: Male lions might compete for the right to mate with females, with only the strongest gaining mating privileges and territory, which ensures the survival of their genes.
This intraspecific competition is a fundamental factor in natural selection, leading to the evolution of more refined adaptations within a species.