What is an Ecological Niche? Write Down its Significance
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 11th, 2023
Ecological niche is the term that refers to all the interactions between a species and the biotic and abiotic factors affecting it. It represents the fundamental and basic ecological concept. Definitions have changed over time, with the term “niche” coined by Joseph Grinnell in 1917, and he used the term to equate most species’ habitats.
Table of content
Ecological Niche
Ecological space is important for a given location because it allows different species to live together in one place, usually without competition. It refers to how a species interact in an ecosystem, in which both biotic and abiotic factors affect the species’ ability to tolerate and survive.
Significance of Ecological Niche
The Significance of ecological niche is as follows.
- The ecological niche allows different species to coexist, usually without competition.
- Each species is aware of its position in the food chain and ecosystem.
- The number of niches in an ecosystem defines the diversity of a place, which means they determine the number of species in it.
- Some examples of ecological niches are a blue whale, lion, panda bear, green anaconda, and emperor penguin.
Related Questions: