when considering competition between individuals of the same species, what allows some individuals toto survive over others?

Answer 1

When considering competition between individuals of the same species, several factors can contribute to some individuals surviving over others. Here are some key factors:

1. Fitness: Individuals with advantageous traits and characteristics that increase their chances of survival and reproduction have higher fitness. These traits could include physical attributes, capabilities, intelligence, or skill sets that give them an edge over others.

2. Adaptation: Individuals with traits that are well-suited to their environment and enable them to efficiently acquire resources such as food, water, shelter, or mates have a higher chance of survival. They can better cope with environmental changes, predators, or other challenges.

3. Reproductive success: Individuals that successfully reproduce and pass on their genetic material to the next generation have a higher likelihood of their genes persisting in the population. Reproductive success can depend on factors such as attractiveness to mates, fertility, parenting abilities, or ability to provide resources to offspring.

4. Competitive advantage: Some individuals may have inherent advantages over others, such as better physical prowess, intelligence, or social skills. These advantages may allow them to outcompete others for resources or mates.

5. Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing conditions can be crucial. Individuals that can adjust their behavior, diet, habitat preferences, or reproductive strategies can thrive in diverse environments or overcome challenges that others struggle with.

6. Cooperation and social behavior: In many species, individuals that can form cooperative alliances, engage in social behavior, or work collectively have enhanced survival chances. This can involve sharing resources, caring for offspring communally, or engaging in coordinated hunting or defense strategies.

7. Chance: Random variations in environmental conditions or occurrences can impact survival chances. Factors such as luck, timing, or fortuitous events can play a role in determining which individuals survive or perish.

It's important to note that these factors often interact and can vary depending on the specific species, their ecological niche, and the prevailing environmental conditions.