Ecological niche: Definition and Types

Definition of Ecological Niche

Ecological niche refers to the function and position of species in relation to other species in the given ecosystem. It comprises of:

1. Microhabitat occupied by organisms
2. Activity pattern of organisms
3. Resources used by organisms

Types of Niche

There are two types of Niche:

1. Fundamental niche – The resources which can be utilized by an organism under ideal condition.
2. Realized Niche – Resources actually used by an organism.