Niche

Mr. Andersen explains the concept of ecological niches, discussing different pronunciations and definitions. He uses lichen as an example to illustrate how different species exploit different niches. The podcast introduces George Hutchinson's idea of an n-dimensional hyper volume to describe niches, considering various biotic and abiotic factors. The concept of fundamental and realized niches is explained, along with examples from ecosystems like coral reefs. A case study of wolves and coyotes in Yellowstone Park demonstrates niche competition and its impact on species populations.

What is the origin of the word 'niche'?

• It is derived from a Latin word meaning 'home'.

• It is derived from a French word meaning 'nest'.

• It is derived from a Greek word meaning 'role'.

• It is derived from a German word meaning 'place'.

What is a niche according to George Hutchinson?

• A simple two-dimensional space.

• A specific role in a factory.

• An n-dimensional hyper volume.

• A single biotic factor.

What is the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

• A fundamental niche is where an organism could live, while a realized niche is where it actually lives.

• A fundamental niche is where an organism actually lives, while a realized niche is where it could live.

• A fundamental niche is only about biotic factors, while a realized niche includes abiotic factors.

• A fundamental niche is smaller than a realized niche.

How does the concept of a niche relate to a factory setting?

• Factories do not have niches as they are man-made.

• Niches in factories are determined by the amount of sunlight.

• Each worker has a specific job or role, similar to organisms in an ecosystem.

• Workers in factories compete for the same niche.

What happened to the coyote population when gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone?

• The coyote population remained stable.

• The coyote population increased significantly.

• The coyote population decreased by 50%.

• The coyote population was unaffected.

Why did the red fox population decline when coyotes filled the niche of the gray wolf?

• Red foxes migrated to other areas.

• Coyotes competed with red foxes for the same resources.

• Coyotes directly preyed on red foxes.

• Red foxes were hunted by humans.

What adaptation have coyotes made in response to the presence of gray wolves?

• They have moved to higher altitudes.

• They have become smaller and more solitary.

• They have become larger and tend to stay near roads.

• They have started forming larger packs.