Competition in
biology and
sociology, is a contest between two or more organisms, animals, individuals, groups, etc., for
territory, a niche, for a location of
resources, for resources and goods, for mates, for , for
recognition, for
awards, for group or social status, or for
leadership. Competition is the opposite of
cooperation. It arises whenever at least two parties strive for a goal which cannot be shared or which is desired individually but not in sharing and cooperation. Competition occurs
naturally between living organisms which co-exist in the same
environment. For example, animals compete over water supplies, food, mates, and other
biological resources. Humans usually compete for food and mates, though when these needs are met deep rivalries often arise over the pursuit of
wealth, prestige, and
fame. Competition is also a major tenet of
market economies and business is often associated with competition as most companies are in competition with at least one other firm over the same group of customers, and also competition inside a company is usually stimulated for meeting and reaching higher quality of services or products that the company produce or develop.