Describe the concept of an ecological niche and its significance within an ecosystem's structure. (2 marks)
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- An ecological niche refers to the unique role and position a species occupies within its ecosystem, encompassing not only its habitat but also its interactions with other species and its use of resources.
- It includes factors such as the species’ diet, predators, competitors, and its impact on the environment.
- Understanding ecological niches is crucial for predicting how changes in an ecosystem might affect different species and for explaining how multiple species can coexist in the same habitat by occupying different niches.
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- An ecological niche refers to the unique role and position a species occupies within its ecosystem, encompassing not only its habitat but also its interactions with other species and its use of resources.
- It includes factors such as the species’ diet, predators, competitors, and its impact on the environment.
- Understanding ecological niches is crucial for predicting how changes in an ecosystem might affect different species and for explaining how multiple species can coexist in the same habitat by occupying different niches.