Which of the following describes intraspecific competition?

Intraspecific competition refers to competition that occurs between individuals of the same species. This type of competition typically arises over limited resources such as food, space, water, or mates. When individuals within a species compete for these resources, it can significantly influence population dynamics, growth rates, and behaviors.

For example, in a forest where multiple trees of the same species are growing close together, they may compete for sunlight, nutrients, and water from the soil. This competition can lead to natural selection, favoring individuals that are better adapted to their specific environment, thereby influencing evolutionary processes.

The other choices are based on different types of competitive interactions. Competition among different species describes interspecific competition, which plays out when organisms of various species vie for similar resources. The competition between predators and prey focuses on the dynamics of predator-prey relationships rather than direct competition for shared resources. Lastly, competition for reproductive mates can occur both within and between species, but it is a more specific scenario of intraspecific competition rather than a comprehensive definition. Therefore, the most accurate description of intraspecific competition is the competition that happens within the same species.