Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism but also its functional role in the community of organisms?

The correct answer is the Ecological Niche

Key Points

• Ecological Niche
  • A niche refers to the unique functional role and position of a species in its habitat or ecosystem.
  • The functional characteristics of a species in its habitat are referred to as “niche” in that common habitat.
  • In nature, many species occupy the same habitat, but they perform different functions.
    • habitat niche – where it lives, food niche – what is eaten or decomposes & what species it competes with,
    • reproductive niche – how and when it reproduces,
    • physical & chemical niche – temperature, land shape, land slope, humidity & another requirement.
  • Niche plays an important role in the conservation of organisms. If we have to conserve species in their native habitat, we should have knowledge about the niche requirements of the species.

​​Additional Information 

• Ecotone – zone of transition between two ecosystems. E.g. grasslands, mangroves etc.
• Habitat – surroundings in which an organism lives (home).
• Home Range – A home range is an area in which an animal lives and moves on a daily or periodic basis (a little bigger than habitat – home → office → home).