(a) What is meant by competition. (b) Explain briefly the terms: (i) interspecies competition: (ii) intra species competition. (c) Explain two ways each by ...

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(a) Competition is the struggle or interaction between organisms for the same limited resources (such as food, water, light, space, mates or shelter) when the supply of the resource is not enough for all of them.

(b)(i) Interspecific (interspecies) competition is competition that takes place between organisms of different species for a common resource, for example a lion and a hyena competing for the same prey, or maize and weeds competing for soil nutrients and light.

(b)(ii) Intraspecific (intraspecies) competition is competition that takes place between organisms of the same species for the same resource, for example two cocks competing for the same hen, or maize plants in a crowded field competing for light and nutrients. It is usually more intense because the needs are identical.

(c) Structural adaptations of the toad/frog

(i) For obtaining food

• A long, sticky, protrusible tongue attached at the front of the mouth which can be shot out rapidly to trap insects.
• A wide gape (large mouth) and backwardly directed teeth (in the frog) that hold the prey and prevent its escape; large bulging eyes that help detect moving prey.

(ii) For protection

• Camouflage (cryptic) colouration of the skin (greenish/brown) that blends with the surroundings and hides it from enemies.
• Poison (mucous) glands in the skin (especially the parotid glands of the toad) that secrete an irritating/toxic fluid to discourage predators.

(iii) For movement

• Long, muscular hind limbs that are folded and act like springs to leap on land.
• Webbed hind feet that increase surface area and push against water for efficient swimming.