Final answer:
Interspecific competition occurs when different species compete for limited resources in the same area. One species will out-compete the other, leading to a decrease in the population of the less adapted species. Resource partitioning can allow for coexistence by minimizing direct competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interspecific competition happens when individuals of different species strive for a limited resource in the same area. One species will be better adapted to its environment and out-compete the other, resulting in a lower survival rate for the less adapted species.
This competition can occur when two or more species rely on the same food source or any limited resource.
For example, cheetahs and lions both feed on similar prey. If the prey is limited, the lion population may catch more prey than cheetahs, leading to a decrease in the cheetah population.
Resource partitioning allows coexistence by minimizing direct competition. This occurs when populations evolve to make use of different resources, areas in the habitat, or feed during different times of the day.