Question

2) What is the definition of ecological niche? What are the differences between fundamental and realized niche? What abiotic factors might reduce the fundamental niche? (give three examples and a brief characterization of each)

Answer 1

Ecological niche coined by Joseph Grinel in year 1917 is defined als the interrelationship of a species with all the biotic and abiotic environment factors affecting it. It is also defined as the role or function of an organism or species in an ecosystem.

Fundamental niche: It is defined as the niche of a species in absence of competition.

Realized niche: In contrast to fundamental niche, a realized niche is the niche of a species occupied in presence of competition e.g. the arrival of a competing species to its habitat.Realized niche forms a part of fundamental niche.

The various abiotic factors which affect a fundamental niche include temperature, landscape characteristics, soil nutrients, light, limited climate availability and other non-living factors.