Competition - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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In GCSE Biology, "competition" refers to the struggle between living organisms to gain the same limited resources in their environment. These resources could include food, water, light, or space needed for survival and growth. Plants and animals compete with members of their own species as well as with other species. For example, in a forest, trees may compete for sunlight by growing taller, while animals might compete for food by hunting or gathering more effectively. This competition is important because it influences which species thrive and which struggle, helping shape ecosystems over time.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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