# 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.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition · Explain · 4 marks

> 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.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Both species compete for the same resources (food / small mammals / rabbits / territory)
2. Competition occurs because resources are limited / there is not enough food or territory for both species
3. The species better adapted to obtain those resources will survive and reproduce more successfully
4. Competition limits the population size of the less successful competitor / both populations are kept smaller than they would be without competition

## Key terms

- [competition](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/competition)
- [population](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/population)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-red-foxes-and-grey-6a8e15ab) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.