Understanding Ecological Niches

What is an ecological niche?

• The role of a species within its community, including environmental factors and interspecies relationships.

• The physical habitat where a species lives.

• The genetic makeup of a species.

• The food chain position of a species.

Who first developed the concept of an ecological niche?

• Joseph Grinnell

• G. Evelyn Hutchinson

• Charles Darwin

• Alfred Russel Wallace

What is the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

• A fundamental niche includes all conditions a species can survive in, while a realized niche includes conditions actually used by the species.

• A fundamental niche is the physical space a species occupies, while a realized niche is its role in the ecosystem.

• A fundamental niche is the genetic potential of a species, while a realized niche is its actual genetic expression.

• A fundamental niche is the diet of a species, while a realized niche is its predators.

Which of the following is an example of a specialist species?

• Kirtland’s warbler

• Coyote

• Raccoon

• Brown-headed cowbird

What does Gause’s Principle of Competitive Exclusion state?

• No two species can occupy the exact same niche indefinitely.

• Species with broader niches are more successful.

• Specialist species are more likely to survive environmental changes.

• Niche overlap leads to mutual benefit for species.