Niche Meaning in Ecology – Ecological Niche

Niche in ecology describes the role or position of an organism in its particular ecosystem. The term “Niche” was coined by Joseph Grinnell in 1917 to describe the ultimate distributional unit for organisms based on their instincts and structure. Two species cannot coexist in the same niche for long. In simpler terms, niche refers to a species’ need to survive in a particular environment and its impact on that environment.

The niche includes a range of conditions, resources, and interactions that define the organism’s existence and influence its survival and reproduction. The niche of a species helps ecologists understand its interactions with other species and its impact on the ecosystem as a whole.

Ecological Niche

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

Similar Reads

Niche Meaning in Ecology – Ecological Niche

Niche in ecology describes the role or position of an organism in its particular ecosystem. The term “Niche” was coined by Joseph Grinnell in 1917 to describe the ultimate distributional unit for organisms based on their instincts and structure. Two species cannot coexist in the same niche for long. In simpler terms, niche refers to a species’ need to survive in a particular environment and its impact on that environment....

Habitat vs Niche

Habitat refers to the physical environment where an organism lives, including factors like climate, vegetation, and geography. Examples of habitats include marine, forest, and coastal habitats. Whereas the niche describes the role and position of an organism within its habitat, including its interactions with other species and its utilization of resources....

Types of Niche

The various types of niche are:...

Examples of Niche

Some examples of niches are:...

Segregation of Ecological Niche

In nature, different species have their own special places to live and find food. This is called their ecological niche. When species live together, they try to avoid competing too much for the same resources. This is called niche segregation. It helps them share the space and resources better....

Conclusion on Niche

Ecological niches are crucial in determining how ecosystems are structured and how they function. By studying niches, ecologists can better understand species interactions, community composition, and ecosystem dynamics. Niches help different species to coexist by minimizing competition through resource specialization and niche partitioning. Furthermore, it’s essential to preserve and manage niches to maintain biodiversity and ensure ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental changes....

FAQs on Niche

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