Explain how red foxes and grey wolves compete with each other in a woodland ecosystem, and why this competition affects the size of their populations.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Red foxes and grey wolves both live in woodland ecosystems in parts of Europe. Both species hunt small mammals such as rabbits and occupy similar territories.
Model answer (4 marks)
Red foxes and grey wolves compete for the same resources – food (small mammals such as rabbits) and territory.
Because these resources are limited, not enough food or space is available for both species to thrive.
The species better adapted to capture prey and defend territory (in this case the larger, stronger wolves) will out‑compete the other.
As a result, the less successful competitor (the fox) has a lower survival and reproduction rate, so both populations are kept smaller than they would be without competition.
Because these resources are limited, not enough food or space is available for both species to thrive.
The species better adapted to capture prey and defend territory (in this case the larger, stronger wolves) will out‑compete the other.
As a result, the less successful competitor (the fox) has a lower survival and reproduction rate, so both populations are kept smaller than they would be without competition.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘compete’ and mention food and territory; explain why resources are limited; state which species is better adapted; link competition to population size.
- Include the key terms: resources, limited, better adapted, survival, reproduction, population size.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Both species compete for the same resources (food / small mammals / rabbits / territory)
- Competition occurs because resources are limited / there is not enough food or territory for both species
- The species better adapted to obtain those resources will survive and reproduce more successfully
- Competition limits the population size of the less successful competitor / both populations are kept smaller than they would be without competition
Key terms in this question
Related
- Revision notes: Adaptations, interdependence and competition →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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