Ecological Niche

What is an ecological niche?

• The physical space an organism occupies.

• The specific type of food an organism consumes.

• An organism's role or "job" within its environment.

• The number of offspring an organism produces.

What is lichen composed of?

• Only fungus.

• Only algae.

• A symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.

• A type of moss.

Another way to think about an organism's niche is it's (a)   in the ecosystem

How does a fundamental niche differ from a realized niche?

• A fundamental niche describes where a species could live, while a realized niche describes where it actually lives due to interactions with other species.

• A fundamental niche describes where a species actually lives, while a realized niche describes where it could live.

• A fundamental niche refers to abiotic factors, while a realized niche refers to biotic factors.

• A fundamental niche is always larger than a realized niche.

What does the Competitive Exclusion Principle state?

• Two species can occupy the exact same niche indefinitely.

• Species with similar niches will always cooperate.

• Complete competitors cannot coexist in the same niche.

• Competition only occurs between different types of predators.

Why did 50% of the coyotes die when the wolf was introduced back into Yellowstone National Park?

• Competition for same homes

• Competition for the same water sources

• Competition for the same food sources

• Competition for the same mates