# Explain why two species of oak tree growing in the same woodland are more likely to compete with each other than an oak tree and a bramble growing in the same woodland.

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

> Two species of oak tree and a bramble plant grow in the same woodland. Oak trees are tall and have wide canopies. Brambles are low-growing shrubs found on the woodland floor.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Competition occurs when organisms require the same resources
2. The two oak species occupy the same part of the woodland (same niche / same habitat) so they compete for the same light / water / mineral ions / territory
3. The oak and bramble occupy different parts of the woodland / require different amounts of the same resource (e.g. oak canopy vs. bramble on floor), so there is less / no overlap in resources needed
4. Therefore competition between the two oak species is greater / more intense because their resource requirements are more similar / overlap more

## 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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