What does an ecological niche refer to?

An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, encompassing how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it interacts with other organisms and the physical environment. This concept includes various aspects of a species' existence, such as its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species (like predators, competitors, and symbionts).

Understanding an ecological niche involves examining not only where an organism lives but also how it behaves and contributes to the ecosystem. This includes its feeding habits, reproductive strategies, and interactions with abiotic factors (like climate and geography) and biotic factors (like plants, animals, and microorganisms). Thus, the ecological niche is integral to understanding the dynamics of ecosystems and the role of biodiversity within them.