Question

In ecology, the term 'niche' refers to \underline{\hspace{1cm}}.

• A. the ways in which species interact with biotic and abiotic factors of the environment
• B. only the abiotic factors such as temperature and rainfall
• C. the gradient change of physiochemical characteristics between two ecosystems
• D. the zone of junction or a transition area between two biomes

Hint:

"Habitat is where an organism lives; Niche is how it lives." This is the golden rule to distinguish the two concepts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the term "niche".
In ecology, a niche is defined as the role or position of a species in its environment, including how it interacts with biotic factors (living organisms such as predators, prey, competitors) and abiotic factors (non-living conditions such as temperature, light, rainfall, soil nutrients).

Step 2: Differentiation from other ecological terms.
- A habitat is simply the "address" of a species (where it lives).
- A niche is its "profession" (how it lives and interacts).
- An ecotone is the zone of junction between two ecosystems.
- Only abiotic factors = part of niche but not the complete definition.

Step 3: Evaluate options.
- (B) Incorrect → Niche is not only abiotic, it includes biotic.
- (C) Incorrect → This describes an ecotone gradient, not niche.
- (D) Incorrect → A transition zone is ecotone, not niche.
- (A) Correct → Matches full ecological definition. \[ \boxed{\text{Interaction with biotic and abiotic factors of the environment}} \] % Quicktip