Niche Concepts in Ecology

The video explains the concept of niches in ecology, focusing on the difference between fundamental and realized niches. It describes how niches are composed of habitat and behavior, and how competition and environmental factors affect niche realization. The video also discusses ecological tolerance and provides an example of a desert plant to illustrate these concepts.

What are the components that make up an organism's niche?

• Only the habitat where it lives

• The habitat, what it eats, what eats it, and its behavior

• Only its behavior and what it eats

• The geographical area and its physical appearance

How is a fundamental niche defined?

• The actual conditions and resources a species uses

• The theoretical range of conditions and resources a species could use without competition

• The physical space an organism occupies

• The interactions with other species in an ecosystem

What distinguishes a realized niche from a fundamental niche?

• Realized niche includes competition and limiting factors

• Realized niche is not affected by abiotic factors

• Realized niche is broader than fundamental niche

• Realized niche is only theoretical

Which factors define a fundamental niche?

• Both biotic and abiotic factors

• Only abiotic factors

• Neither biotic nor abiotic factors

• Only biotic factors

What role do biotic factors play in a realized niche?

• They are the only factors considered

• They have no role

• They are less important than abiotic factors

• They interact with abiotic factors to define the niche

How does competition affect a realized niche?

• It only affects the fundamental niche

• It has no effect on the niche

• It narrows the niche

• It broadens the niche

What is the ecological tolerance in the context of a fundamental niche?

• The minimum conditions a species can survive

• The conditions a species can tolerate with competition

• The maximum conditions a species can tolerate without competition

• The average conditions a species prefers

In the example of the desert plant, what limits its realized niche?

• Only the soil type

• The amount of sunlight

• Competition with other plants and water availability

• Only the temperature

Why might a species not occupy its entire fundamental niche?

• Because it prefers a smaller area

• Because of competition and limiting factors

• Due to lack of food

• Due to its physical size

What is a key difference between fundamental and realized niches?

• Fundamental niche is narrower

• Realized niche is theoretical

• Fundamental niche is affected by biotic factors

• Realized niche includes interactions with other species