equilibrium species A species in which competitive ability (see COMPETITION), rather than dispersal ability or reproductive rate, is the chief survival strategy: competition is the typical response to stable environmental resources. In unstable or extreme environments, e.g. deserts, equilibrium species survive unfavourable periods by living on stored food resources and reducing life processes to a minimum. Compare FUGITIVE SPECIES.

equilibrium species A species in which competitive ability (see competition), rather than dispersal ability or reproductive rate, is the chief survival strategy: competition is the typical response to stable environmental resources. In unstable or extreme environments (e.g. deserts) equilibrium species survive unfavourable periods by living on stored food resources and reducing life processes to a minimum. Compare fugitive species.

equilibrium species A species in which competitive ability, rather than dispersal ability or reproductive rate, is the chief survival strategy: competition is the typical response to stable environmental resources. In unstable or extreme environments (e.g. deserts) equilibrium species survive unfavourable periods by living on stored food resources and reducing life processes to a minimum.