Assertion (A): Generally the intraspecific completion is more intense than interspecific competition. Reason(R) : Intraspecific competition occurs when the resources are in short supply.

Assertion (A) is true because intraspecific competition is generally more intense than interspecific competition. This is because members of the same species have identical niches, requiring the exact same resources for survival, growth, and reproduction [t2][t8]. Interspecific competition is often less intense as different species typically have at least partially distinct niches, allowing for resource partitioning [t1]. Reason (R) is also true; intraspecific competition is a density-dependent factor that occurs when resources like food, space, or mates are in short supply relative to the population size [c1][t7][t9]. However, (R) is not the correct explanation for (A). The reason (A) is true is due to the 'niche overlap' and 'greater similarity' between individuals of the same species [t2], whereas (R) merely describes the general condition (resource limitation) under which any competition occurs, rather than explaining why one type is more intense than the other.

Sources

1. [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29938882/
2. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/interspecific-competition
3. [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: How Nature Works in Harmony > 12.8 How Do Interactions Maintain Balance in Ecosystems? > p. 202
4. [4] https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/ecology-ap/population-ecology-ap/a/mechanisms-of-population-regulation