The Joy of Exploring Ecological Niches

What is an ecological niche?

An ecological niche refers to the role or position that an organism occupies within its ecosystem.

Which is not an example of a niche?

a. Chipmunks gather and store seeds

b. Polar bears are carnivores

c. A shark lives in the ocean

d. Woodpeckers eat insects

Answer:

Final answer: A shark lives in the ocean is not an example of a niche.

Explanation: A niche refers to the role or position that an organism occupies within its ecosystem. It encompasses the organism's interactions with its environment, including its habitat, behavior, and the resources it uses. Let's examine the options to identify which one is not an example of a niche:

a. Chipmunks gather and store seeds: This is an example of a niche where chipmunks play a role in seed dispersal and contribute to the ecosystem's plant distribution.

b. Polar bears are carnivores: Polar bears have a niche as top predators in Arctic ecosystems, feeding on seals and regulating prey populations.

c. A shark lives in the ocean: This statement does not define a specific niche; it merely describes a shark's habitat. A niche should encompass an organism's ecological role, not just its location.

d. Woodpeckers eat insects: Woodpeckers play a niche role as insectivores, contributing to insect population control and nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems.

In summary, while a shark does have a habitat in the ocean, this statement does not define its ecological role or interactions with other species, making it the option that does not represent a niche.