B4. 2

Question 1

Niches

What is an Ecological Niche?

Answer 1

• Defined as the role of a species in an ecosystem.
• This includes the biotic and abiotic interactions that it has which impact its growth, survival and reproduction.

what does it depend on? who depends on it? and where specifically does it reside.

Question 2

Niches

What is Fundamental Niche?

Answer 2

• The fundamental niche of a species is the potential niche/ habitat that a species could inhabit based on their adaptations and range of tolerance.
• Anywhere that they would have the means to survive in.

Question 3

Niches

What is a realised niche?

Answer 3

• The actual habitat that it ends up thriving in, once competition and success of their predators and prey are factored in.
• The realised niche will be smaller than the fundamental niche becase it considers the overall ecosystem balance and ensures no two species are occupying the same niche.