What is an example of an ecological niche?

An ecological niche encompasses the role and position a species holds in its environment, including all the interactions it has with biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. This concept covers how a species meets its needs for food, shelter, and reproduction, as well as how it interacts with other organisms.

Choosing the scenario of a lion hunting in the savannah illustrates an ecological niche. This behavior highlights the lion's role as a predator, which is fundamental to its niche. The action of hunting involves several factors, such as the lion's prey, competition with other predators, and its adaptations to thrive in that specific environment. This interconnectedness of behavior and environment typifies the definition of a niche.

Other options, while they describe important ecological concepts, do not fully encapsulate the comprehensive idea of an ecological niche. For instance, the living space of a squirrel one could argue touches on habitat but lacks connection to its interactions and needs. The water quality of a river, though vital for ecosystems, is more about an environmental characteristic than the functional role of a species within that environment. The availability of food sources is crucial for survival but does not convey the entire concept of an organism's niche, which includes its hunting behavior, interactions, and