What is the term used when plant species eliminate other plants by releasing toxic chemicals?

The term that describes the process by which plant species eliminate other plants by releasing toxic chemicals is allelopathy. This phenomenon occurs when a plant produces and releases chemicals into the environment, which can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants, thus reducing competition for resources such as light, water, and nutrients.

Allelopathy serves as a natural means for plants to establish dominance in their habitat, allowing them to create a more favorable environment for their own growth while deterring potential competitors. This process can significantly affect plant community structures and biodiversity within ecosystems.

In contrast, competition refers to the struggle between organisms for limited resources, and does not necessarily involve the production of toxic compounds. Herbicide resistance involves a plant's ability to withstand chemical herbicides, and biotic suppression generally refers to the influence of living organisms in suppressing the growth of other organisms, which can include a wider range of interactions than simply the effects of toxic chemicals released by plants.