Competition
Introduction
Competition is a common interaction in the community where two organisms struggle for the same resources within the society. There are various resources which cause competition among organisms such as food, water, light and shelter. Environmental conditions that affect the growth and reproduction of organisms creates stiff competition with organisms. Also, members of the same species compete for mates within the society. The places which contain abundant resources there are high numbers of species. The competition which involves different species is referred to as intraspecific competition. The competition in the ecological system helps to maintain community structure and species diversity. The following is the discussion of how earthworms reduce competition among organism.
Ecological Competition of Earthworms
Earthworms are a remarkable example of foundation species which form the bedrock for the community because they help to maintain community structure and species diversity. Worms usually move slowly, and human beings accelerate their movement by moving them from one place to another. The fisherman uses the earthworms for bait, and this enables fishers to win the competition for fishing.
Earthworms play a crucial role in soil structure and fertility, and this affects biochemical and biophysical functioning of the soil. Earthworms are a recycler of carbon and nitrogen in the soil. The recycling of nitrogen helps to increase soil fertility, and this promotes plant growth. The increase of soil fertility will help to reduce competition of plants for nutrients. The recycling of carbon helps to reduce the greenhouse effect. Earthworms also help to maintain soil biophysical structure through burrow formation and this help in biotic interactions. They also feed on the surface organic matter and convert it into nutrients. The conversion of organic matter into nutrients helps to increase plant growth, and this promotes species diversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, organisms compete for resources such as water, food, and air to survive. Foundation species helps to increase resources to the environment, and this enables maintenance of the community structure and species diversity. Interspecific competition among organism influences fitness benefits of organisms.