Which statement accurately describes the impact of competition on organisms?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental aspect of ecological dynamics. Competition occurs when organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, water, shelter, or mates. This struggle can lead to significant stress on populations, particularly if resources are limited. If one species outcompetes another over time, the less competitive species may decline in numbers dramatically and potentially face extinction.

This outcome underscores the impact of competition on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. When one species is favored due to advantages such as greater efficiency in resource use, reproductive rates, or adaptability, it can dominate the habitat, leading to the decline or extinction of the competing species. Consequently, competition can profoundly shape community structure over time, decreasing genetic diversity and altering species interactions.

Understanding this concept is critical as it illustrates the ecological principle of competitive exclusion, which explains how similar species cannot coexist indefinitely in the same niche. This concept is not only relevant in theoretical ecology but also in practical scenarios, such as conservation efforts and managing invasive species.