Define the concept of an ecological niche.

The concept of an ecological niche refers specifically to the role and position a species occupies within its environment. This encompasses not only the habitat where the species lives but also its interactions with other organisms and how it meets its needs for food, shelter, and reproduction. Essentially, an ecological niche is a broader concept that includes an organism’s lifestyle, its behaviors, and its relationships with other species, both biotic and abiotic factors within the ecosystem.

For example, a bee’s niche includes not only the flowers from which it gathers nectar but also its role as a pollinator and how it interacts with other species, like plants and predators. Understanding a species’ niche is crucial in ecology because it highlights the importance of biodiversity and helps clarify how different species coexist and contribute to the functioning of their ecosystem.