What is Ecological Niche _ It’s Meaning and Definition The role or function of an organism.

What is Ecological Niche _ It’s Meaning and Definition The role or function of an organism.

Ecological Niche – Meaning, Definition & Role of an Organism

Definition:

An ecological niche refers to the role or function an organism plays in its environment, including how it gets its energy and nutrients, how it interacts with other organisms, and how it contributes to the ecosystem.

In Simple Words:

An ecological niche is like the “job” or “profession” of an organism in nature. It includes everything the organism does to survive and reproduce—what it eats, where it lives, how it behaves, and how it affects other organisms.

Scientific Definition:

“An ecological niche is the sum total of an organism’s use of the biotic and abiotic resources in its environment.”
— (Eugene P. Odum, Father of Modern Ecology)

Key Aspects of a Niche:

1. Habitat – Where the organism lives.

2. Diet – What it eats or how it gets energy.

3. Activity – When it is active (day/night).

4. Behavior – How it interacts with other species.

5. Role – Its function in the food chain (producer, consumer, decomposer).

Examples of Ecological Niches:

1. Honeybee

   • Role: Pollinator

   • Niche: Collects nectar, helps plants reproduce through pollination.

2. Tiger

   • Role: Apex predator

   • Niche: Controls herbivore population, maintains balance in food chain.

3. Earthworm

   • Role: Decomposer

   • Niche: Breaks down organic matter, enriches the soil.

4. Cactus in Desert

   • Role: Producer

   • Niche: Stores water, provides food/shelter to animals, tolerates extreme heat.

Types of Niche:

1. Fundamental Niche – The full range of environmental conditions an organism can potentially use.

2. Realized Niche – The actual conditions used due to competition or environmental limits.

Why is Ecological Niche Important?

• Maintains balance in ecosystems.

• Helps reduce competition among species.

• Guides conservation efforts by identifying keystone species.

• Explains species distribution and biodiversity.

In Summary:

An ecological niche is the lifestyle or ecological role of an organism in its environment—how it lives, what it does, and how it affects and is affected by other living and non-living things.

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What is Ecological Niche _ It’s Meaning and Definition The role or function of an organism.

Ecological Niche Theory: A Brief Review