Week 4: The Niche

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the ecological niche, its definitions, and its implications as discussed in the lecture.

What is the key concept of the niche according to Joseph Grinnell?

The niche refers to the physical habitat requirements of a species.

Who introduced the concept of the niche as the role of a species in the community?

Charles Elton.

What does Hutchinson describe the niche as?

An n-dimensional hypervolume that encompasses both biotic and abiotic parameters.

Define the fundamental niche.

The n-dimensional hypervolume within which organisms can successfully survive and reproduce.

What is a realized niche?

The subset of the fundamental niche where a species actually exists and reproduces, accounting for species interactions.

What does Gause's principle state about species competing for the same resource?

Two species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist indefinitely in a stable environment.

What type of experiments did Gause perform to demonstrate competitive exclusion?

He conducted experiments with different species of paramecium to show competition for resources.

How are Grinnell's and Elton's concepts of the niche different?

Grinnell's niche describes a species' habitat, while Elton's niche describes its role in the community.

What is the importance of understanding niches in ecology?

Understanding niches helps explain species interactions, community dynamics, and biodiversity.

What experimental methods are used to study niches in the lab?

Quadrat sampling and transect sampling to measure abundance and diversity.