Question

The ecological niche in an area is occupied by a
A. Species
B. Population
C. Community
D. Related species

Answer 1

Each and every species depends on its surroundings for various purposes. That includes food, shelter, and interaction with other species. Based on this, each species has its own role to play in an ecosystem.

Complete answer: In an ecosystem, both living and nonliving things are present. They are called biotic and abiotic components respectively. Biotic components include living organisms such as plants and animals. Abiotic components include soil, water, air, inorganic and organic materials. Each species interacts with both the biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem. Each species has a certain role to play for the survival of an ecosystem as a whole. For the maintenance of a stable food chain and proper utilization of environmental resources, constant interaction between these components is needed. Based on these interactions, the role of each species that have to play in an ecosystem. This is called an ecological niche. So, remember that this term denotes the role of individual species and not that of population or community as a whole. A population is a group of the same species in a geographical area. A group of frogs living together in a pond is an example of the population. The species are able to interbreed in a population. The population is different from the biological community as it comprises several populations living together. It includes many types of species in it.
Hence the correct option is A.

Note: There are several factors that can affect the ecological niche of a habitat. This includes both biotic and abiotic factors. Predators are examples of biotic factors and the topography and the availability of natural resources are abiotic factors that affect an ecological niche.