What does an ecological niche refer to?

An ecological niche encompasses the role and interactions of a species within its environment, which includes various aspects such as what it eats, how it reproduces, and how it interacts with other organisms and its physical surroundings. This concept integrates both the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that influence a species' survival and reproduction.

Understanding the ecological niche is crucial for comprehending how species coexist and compete for resources. A species may occupy a specific niche that defines its role in the ecosystem, such as being a predator, prey, decomposer, or pollinator, and this niche can help maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.

In contrast, focusing solely on the diet of a species, the preferred habitat, or the genetic makeup does not capture the full complexity of the ecological niche. These aspects are components of an ecological niche but do not include the interactions and roles that define how a species fits into the ecosystem as a whole.