Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an
organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?
Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an
organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?
(a)
Ecotone
(b)
Ecological niche
(c)
Habitat
(d)
Home range
(b)
The ecological niche is the ecological role and space that an
organism fills in an ecosystem.The ecological niche involves both
the place where an organism lives and the roles that an organism
does in its habitat. For example, the ecological niche of a
sunflower growing in the backyard includes absorbing light, water
and nutrients (for photosynthesis), providing shelter and food for
other organisms (e.g. bees, ants, etc.), and giving off oxygen into
the atmosphere.
Microtheme: Ecological Theory —
17 questions asked in Prelims in the past.