Niches

Niches• The range of abiotic and biotic conditions under

which a species lives. • This determines the species distribution or areas of

the world where it lives.

• Species can be divided into two categories: • Niche generalist - species

that lives under a wide range of conditions.

• Niche specialist - species that live in only specific habitats.

Different Types of Niches• Range of Tolerance

• The limit to the abiotic conditions a species can tolerate. • All species have an optimal environment.

• Two types of Niches • Fundamental Niche

• The ideal conditions for a species.

• Realized niche • The part of the

fundamental niche actually occupied by the species. The key is to survive, grow, and REPRODUCE!

Generalist or Specialist?

GeneralistSpecialist

Who is in greatest danger from habitat loss, competition from invasive species,etc.?

Overlap And Resource Partitioning

• When there is niche overlap, there will be competition for resources.