Ecological Niche and Habitat Concepts

The video tutorial explains the difference between fundamental and realized niches using the example of two species of birds living in a tree. The fundamental niche represents the full range of conditions a species can occupy, while the realized niche is the actual conditions occupied due to competition. The tutorial uses a screencast with nature art to illustrate these concepts, emphasizing that avoiding competition is beneficial for species.

What is a niche in the context of ecology?

• The physical location where an organism lives

• The role an organism plays in its community

• The time an organism sleeps

• The food an organism eats

How can you remember the difference between habitat and niche?

• Habitat is the food an organism eats

• Habitat is like an organism's job, and niche is like its address

• Habitat is like an organism's address, and niche is like its job

• Habitat and niche are the same

Which branches can species A live in?

• Only the top branches

• Only the bottom branches

• Both top and bottom branches

• Only the middle branches

Why does species B prefer the top branches?

• It can find more food there

• It is faster and can escape predators

• It is slower and avoids predators

• It prefers more sunlight

Which species is more versatile in its habitat choice?

• Species B

• Both are equally versatile

• Neither is versatile

• Species A

Why do species avoid competition?

• It provides more food

• It is energy-efficient

• It is risky and energy-consuming

• It attracts more predators

What happens when species A and B try to occupy the same area?

• Species A moves to the top branches

• Species B moves to the lower branches

• Species B stays in the top branches

• Species A and B share the same branches

What is a fundamental niche?

• The actual space an organism occupies

• The potential space an organism could occupy

• The predators an organism avoids

• The food an organism eats

What is a realized niche?

• The potential space an organism could occupy

• The actual space an organism occupies due to competition

• The predators an organism avoids

• The food an organism eats

What is the main factor that determines a realized niche?

• Availability of food

• Presence of predators

• Amount of sunlight

• Competition with other species