Examples of Niche
Some examples of niches are:
- Grassland Niche
- Species like bison and prairie dogs occupy specific roles within the grassland ecosystem. They have adaptations to the open habitat and reliance on grasses for food.
- Aquatic Niche
- Fish species such as trout and salmon have adapted to various niches within aquatic environments, occupying roles as predators, herbivores, or scavengers based on their feeding habits and habitat preferences.
- Forest Niche
- Tree species like oak and maple occupy distinct niches within forest ecosystems. With differences in light requirements, soil preferences, and seed dispersal mechanisms that shape their distribution and interactions with other species.
- Desert Niche
- Species like cacti and desert tortoises have evolved unique adaptations to survive in arid environments. These adaptations are water-storing tissues or behavioral strategies to minimize water loss, defining their niche within desert ecosystems.
- Urban Niche
- Species like pigeons and rats have successfully adapted to urban environments, exploiting human-made structures and food sources to carve out niches within cities. They often compete with native species for resources.
Ecological Niche
Niche in ecology stands for an organism’s specific role or position within its ecosystem. The niche includes the animal’s habitat, interactions with other organisms, and its contribution to ecosystem function and stability. Understanding the niche types and examples helps us learn how different organisms interact with their environment and how ecological communities are structured. This article will cover the niche meaning, types, and examples of niches in detail.
Table of Content
- Niche Meaning in Ecology – Ecological Niche
- Habitat vs Niche
- Types of Niche
- Fundamental Niche
- Realized Niche
- Habitat or Spatial Niche
- Trophic Niche
- Multifactor or Hypervolume Niche
- Examples of Niche
- Segregation of Ecological Niche
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