5.1.3 - Niches, Distribution & Abundance

Question 1

What Is Meant By ‘Niche’?

Answer 1

Role of species within its habitat.

Question 2

What Does The Role Of A Species Include?
(5 Points)

Answer 2

~ What it eats.

~ Which other species depend on it for food.

~ Time of day the species is active.

~ Where in a habitat a species lives.

~ Exactly where in a habitat a species feeds.

Question 3

Describe Why No 2 Species Can Fill The Same Niche Within A Habitat
(3 Points)

Answer 3

~ If this happens 2 species will be in direct competition with each other for resources.

~ One of the 2 species will outcompete the other.

~ There is always subtle differences in their role, as they may feed at different times or have different food sources for example.

Question 4

Describe How The Abundance Of Different Species Can Be Explained By Niches
(3 Points)

Answer 4

~ If 2 species occupy a similar niche within a habitat, they will be competing with each other.

~ This means their population will be smaller .

~ Therefore the abundance will be smaller.

Question 5

Describe How The Distribution Of Different Species Can Be Explained By Niches
(3 Points)

Answer 5

~ Species can only survive in habitats which are well adapted.

~ If they are not well suited to a habitats biotic and abiotic factors, then they will move to a more suitable habitat.

~ Therefore distribution will change.