Ecological NicheLESSON #24

Ecological Niche

Function that a species carries out in its habitat.

Way in which a species uses the available resources and in

which its existence affects the other components of the

community.

If two species occupy the same ecological niche, there will be

competition until one of them takes over.

Ecological niche

All species which live the same habitat, no matter how many aspects their

niches have in common, there will ALWAYS be some differences that allow them

to avoid competition.

Ecological Niche

Generalists

Species which are able to survive in a greater variety of environmental conditions.

Example:

Columba livia is adapted to most habitats

on the planet. They may be arboreal,

terrestrial or semiterrestial. Inhabit

savannas, grasslands, deserts, temperate

woodland and forests…

According to how broad the ecological niche of a species is, the

species can be: generalists or specialists

Columba livia

Pigeon

Ecological Niche

Specialists

They populate and inhabit niches which are of difficult access, where there is no competition.

Their specialization is a risk: They do not tolerate changes in the environment.

According to how broad their ecological niche is, species can be:

specialists of generalists.

Archilochus colubris

Ruby-throated humming bird