Niche Concepts in Ecology

The video explores the unique lifestyle of hermit crabs, focusing on their need to find larger shells as they grow and their interactions with predators and other crabs. It introduces the concept of ecological niches, explaining the difference between a niche and a habitat. The video uses the green iguana and green basilisk as examples to illustrate the competitive exclusion principle, showing how species adapt to occupy distinct niches. It discusses the concepts of fundamental and realized niches, highlighting how species may expand or specialize their niches in the absence of competition.

What unique behavior do hermit crabs exhibit as they grow?

• They build their own shells.

• They seek out larger shells.

• They change color to camouflage.

• They become more aggressive.

How do sea anemones benefit from attaching to hermit crabs?

• They become more colorful.

• They can move to new locations.

• They receive food fragments.

• They gain protection from predators.

What is the main difference between a niche and a habitat?

• A niche is larger than a habitat.

• A niche is temporary, while a habitat is permanent.

• A niche is a role within a habitat, while a habitat is a physical location.

• A niche is a physical location, while a habitat is a role.

According to the competitive exclusion principle, what happens if two species occupy the same niche?

• They will merge into one species.

• One will out-compete the other.

• They will both become extinct.

• They will both thrive equally.

What is a realized niche?

• The full range of conditions a species can occupy.

• The specific conditions a species actually occupies.

• A niche that is shared by multiple species.

• A temporary habitat for a species.

What is the primary diet of the green basilisk?

• Only fruits.

• Mainly insects and small invertebrates.

• Only small mammals.

• Only plant material.

What unique ability does the green basilisk have?

• It can dig deep burrows.

• It can change its color.

• It can walk on water.

• It can fly short distances.

How do green iguanas primarily differ from green basilisks in their diet?

• Green iguanas eat more small mammals.

• Green iguanas are primarily vegetarian.

• Green iguanas eat more insects.

• Green iguanas eat more aquatic plants.

In the absence of competition, what might happen to a species' niche?

• It will become smaller.

• It will remain the same.

• It will disappear.

• It will expand to the fundamental niche.

What is the fundamental niche?

• A niche that is shared by multiple species.

• The full range of conditions a species can potentially occupy.

• The niche a species occupies in the presence of competitors.

• A temporary niche occupied during migration.