Question

What is meant by territoriality, and how does it limit the effects of competition in nature?

Short answer

Territoriality refers to an organism's behavioral pattern to claim and defend a certain geographical space from competitors. This behavior limits the effects of competition in nature because it reduces overlap for resources. Each organism having its territory doesn't have to constantly struggle with others for the resources within that territory, thus decreasing the harmful effects commonly associated with competition.

Step-by-step solution

Define Territoriality

Territoriality is the behavioral pattern exhibited by an organism to control and defend a particular geographical area (its territory) from competitors. This territory provides the organism exclusive access to resources such as food, mates, and nesting sites.

Define Competition

Competition in nature refers to the struggle between organisms to secure the same limited resources within a specific environment. It could be food, mates, or space. In the state of competition, each organism harms the other as they seek to monopolize these resources. The harm typically includes wasting time, energy, or sustaining physical injury.

Explain how Territoriality Limits Competition

Territoriality limits competition by segregating organisms into different territories. Here, each organism controls its exclusive territory and does not need to constantly compete for resources within that defined area. Thus, territorial behavior reduces the harmful effects of competition by reducing resource overlap and may serve to enhance the survival and reproductive success of the territorial organism.