What is exploitation competition?

Exploitation competition occurs when one species uses resources more efficiently or exploits them more quickly than another species, leading to a competitive advantage. In this scenario, the species that can utilize the resources faster may reduce the availability of those resources for the competing species, which may struggle to survive or reproduce due to limited access to vital necessities such as food, water, or shelter.

This concept contrasts with other forms of competition, such as interference competition, where species interact directly and disrupt each other's access to resources. In exploitation competition, the interaction is more indirect, as the competition arises from the differential use of resources rather than from direct confrontation. This makes option C the correct interpretation, as it encapsulates the essence of how one species can outcompete another based on the speed or efficiency of resource utilization.