Competition is best defined as a process in which the fitness of one species (measured in terms of its 'r' the intrinsic rate of increase) is significantly

Options

A. lower in presence of another superior species
B. higher in presence of another superior species
C. equal in presence of another superior species
D. equal in presence of their own species

Answer

To solve the question regarding competition and its effect on the fitness of one species, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Competition**:
- Competition occurs when two or more species vie for the same limited resources, such as food, space, or light. This interaction can affect the growth and reproduction of the species involved.

2. **Defining Fitness**:
- In ecological terms, fitness refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment. It is often measured by the intrinsic rate of increase (r), which indicates how quickly a population can grow.

3. **Identifying the Types of Species**:
- In a competitive scenario, there are typically two types of species: a superior competitor and an inferior competitor. The superior competitor is better adapted to utilize the resources, while the inferior competitor struggles to survive.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- The question provides four options regarding the fitness of one species in the presence of another superior species:
1. Lower in presence of another superior species
2. Higher in presence of another superior species
3. Equal in presence of another superior species
4. Equal in presence of their own species

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1**: If one species is superior, the inferior species will have lower fitness due to competition for resources. This is a likely correct answer.
- **Option 2**: If the second species is superior, it cannot have a higher fitness than the first species; thus, this option is incorrect.
- **Option 3**: If the fitness is equal, there would be no competitive advantage, which contradicts the idea of competition. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- **Option 4**: If the fitness is equal in the presence of their own species, it suggests no competition, which is also incorrect.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that the fitness of one species is significantly lower in the presence of another superior species.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **1. Lower in presence of another superior species**.