Ecotone
Ecotone
• Niche refers to the unique functional role and position of a species in its habitat or
ecosystem.
• The functional characteristics of a species in its habitat is referred to as “niche” in that
common habitat.
• In nature, many species occupy the same habitat, but they perform different functions:
1.habitat niche – where it lives, food niche – what is eats or decomposes & what species
it competes with,
2.reproductive niche – how and when it reproduces,
3.physical & chemical niche – temperature, land shape, land slope, humidity & another
requirement.
• Niche plays an important role in the conservation of organisms. If we have to conserve
species in its native habitat, we should have knowledge about the niche requirements of
the species.
Difference between niche and habitat
• The habitat of a species is like its ‘address’ (i.e. where it lives) whereas niche can
be thought of as its “profession” (i.e. activities and responses specific to the
species).
• A niche is unique for a species while many species share the habitat.
• No two species in a habitat can have the same niche. This is because of
the competition with one another until one is displaced.
• For example, a large number of different species of insects may be pests of the
same plant, but they can co-exist as they feed on different parts of the same plant.
Home Range
1.Ecotone
2.Ecological niche
3.Habitat
4.Home range