Understanding Habitats and Niches

Based on the text, which of the following best differentiates a habitat from a niche?

• A habitat is a specific geographic location, while a niche is the overall ecosystem of which it is a part.

• A habitat is where an organism lives, whereas a niche is its functional role and interactions within that living space.

• A habitat is defined by the living organisms in an area, while a niche is defined by the non-living factors.

• A habitat is the source of food for an organism, while a niche is where it finds shelter and protection.

A student observes two different species of squirrels living in the same forest. According to the provided definitions, what must be true about these two species?

• They share the same niche but have different habitats.

• They have the same habitat and the same niche.

• They have the same habitat but must have different niches.

• They have different habitats and different niches.

The text uses a real-world example of teachers in a school building. Which of the following is the most accurate analogy, based on the text's definitions?

• The school building is the niche, and the teachers' subjects are their habitats.

• The different teachers are different habitats, and the school is their shared niche.

• The school building is the habitat, and the teacher's subject (e.g., Life Science, English) is their niche.

• The students are the habitat, and the teachers' interactions with them are their niche.

What would happen if two different species of finches on the Galapagos Islands were to share the exact same niche?

• They would be able to interbreed and produce hybrid offspring.

• They would compete for the exact same food source, leading to one species outcompeting the other.

• They would collaborate and help each other find food and shelter.

• Their habitats would be considered different, even though they live in the same area.

The text gives examples of non-living factors that a niche may involve. Which of the following is a non-living factor that could be part of a ground finch's niche?

• The type of seeds it eats from the ground.

• The ground it lives on, which is a part of its habitat.

• The other finches it competes with for food.

• The temperature and soil quality of the ground.

According to the video, a habitat provides which of the following for an individual plant or animal?

• A set of specific roles and interactions.

• The opportunity to breed with other species.

• Food, shelter, protection, and mates.

• A specific diet based on other living things.