How do adaptations enable organisms to reduce competition for food and other resources?
Adaptation can be thought of as a set of special characteristics that may allow a living organism to successfully live in a particular environment. Adaptation allows an organism to adjust to the particular set of conditions it is exposed to and survive successfully.
An animal may adapt to a different food, something other than the food which is consumed by all the other animals of the region. This adaptation will allow it to consume something that is not eaten by its competitors, thus allowing it to be the most significant consumer of that particular food. An animal may also adapt to consume the same food more efficiently. For example, a bird may adapt by developing a longer beak thus allowing it to consume nectar, ensuring it a dedicated food supply. All the other birds with smaller beaks will be unable to consume the nectar and will be outcompeted. Another adaptation could be a heightened sense of smell that may allow an adapted animal to find food faster than its competitors.
Similarly, an animal may adapt to different resources and would be able to outcompete other animals in that region.
Hope this helps.
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