Question

Which one of the following correctly represents an organism and its ecological niche?
A. Nepenthes and Pond
B. Desert locust (Schistocerca) and desert
C. Plant lice (aphids) and leaf
D. Vultures and dense forest

Answer 1

Hint:- An ecosystem is a group of plants, animals, micro-organisms, etc. and their shared environment.
Ecological niche of an organism is the specific role which it plays within the ecosystem community. It is used to define the position of an organism within the ecosystem.

Complete answer: Odum has described the term “ecological niche” as - “the status of an organism within its community and ecosystem resulting from the organism's structural adaptations, physiological responses as well their inherited and learned behaviour".

Option a) Nepenthes and Pond - Some members of the Nepenthaceae are climbing plants, and some others are epiphytes in trees. Thus, this option is incorrect.

Option b) Desert locust (Schistocerca) and desert - The desert locusts are ill-famed. They inhabit around 60 countries and can cover approximately 1/5th of the earth's surface, and are not significantly limited to deserts.
Thus, this option is incorrect.

Option c) Plant lice (aphids) and leaf - Aphids are garden pests which are usually the most active at the time of spring season, and their activity decreases with rise in temperatures. They thrive on plants, especially on the buds and new growth of plants.
Thus, this is the Correct option.

Option d) Vultures and dense forest - Vultures are carnivorous, not significantly limited to dense forests.
Thus, this option is incorrect.

Note:- Three parts of an ecological niche include - behavior, abiotic conditions, and food type.
The term Ecological niche has a wider meaning than the term Habitat.
Habitat basically means the physical space where a plant grows or an animal lives.