Ecological Factors and Ecological Niches
Big idea: Ecology links abiotic conditions, biotic interactions and resource use to the distribution and performance of organisms; a niche describes the multidimensional conditions and roles that sustain a population.
Learning goals
- abiotic factor
- biotic factor
- tolerance range
- fundamental niche
- realized niche
Core concepts
abiotic factor
A nonliving environmental variable such as temperature, water, light, pH or salinity.
biotic factor
An influence produced by living organisms, including competition, predation and mutualism.
tolerance range
The interval of an environmental condition within which an organism can survive and reproduce.
fundamental niche
The full range of conditions and resources a species could use without limiting biotic interactions.
realized niche
The portion of the fundamental niche actually occupied under competition and other interactions.