Question

The niche of a species is meant for-
A. Specific place where an organism lives
B. The specific function of species and its competitive power
C. The habitat and specific functions of a species
D. None of these

Answer 1

The word niche is a word of French origin meaning ‘to nest’. Niche comprises the function and interaction of an organism with its surrounding environment.

Complete answer: The ecosystems in the environment are made up of two important factors, the biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors include all the living organisms from animals, plants to decomposers, and other microorganisms. The abiotic factors are the physical factors that determine the type and characteristics of that particular ecosystem, e.g. water, soil, gases, temperature, etc. Every organism has a specific role to play in an ecosystem. It is acting as either a producer or a consumer or a decomposer. Any disturbance created in its function can have implications for the balance of the ecosystem. Therefore a niche is all such interactions and activities of a species in its habitat. Habitat also plays an important role. It is the physical environment that is specific for a specific organism. So a niche can be collectively called habitat and specific functions or roles played by a particular organism.
Thus the correct option is C. The habitat and specific functions of a species.
Additional information: A niche is characterized by various factors like the availability of nutrients, sunlight, water, prey, and predators. These factors indicate how well a particular organism can survive in that particular niche.

Note: Niche and habitat are two different concepts. Niche is a much wider concept whereas habitat is one of the parts of niche. Niche is specific for specific species but a habitat occupies multiple species from a particular ecosystem.