Ecological Niches

These flashcards cover the major concepts related to ecological niches, including definitions, principles, and examples.

Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem, including its interactions with other species and its environment.

Fundamental Niche

The full range of environmental conditions and resources an organism can theoretically use without competition.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources an organism uses after competition and other interactions are taken into account.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely; one species will outcompete the other.

Niche Partitioning

The division of resources and niche space among species in a habitat, allowing them to coexist successfully.

Generalists

Species that have a broad range of tolerance for their environment and can utilize various resources.

Specialists

Species that have a narrow niche and specific requirements, making them less adaptable to changing conditions.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, crucial for maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

Range of Tolerance

The range of conditions (such as temperature, salinity, and light) within which a species can survive and reproduce.

Factors Affecting Distribution

Biotic and abiotic factors that determine where species can live, including climate, resources, competition, and predation.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.