SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 24

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Ecological niche refers to a species' specific role in an ecosystem.

• The concept of ecological niche is refers to a species' specific role in an ecosystem.
• Ecological niche refers to the functional role and position (micro-habitat) of a species in its ecosystem, including resource use, timing, and interactions with other species.
• The concept of the ecological niche was developed by Charles Elton.
• Ecosystem stability depends on the diversity of niches within it.
• Greater niche diversity leads to higher ecosystem stability, providing multiple energy flow pathways and reducing species population fluctuations.
• Two species cannot occupy the same niche for long due to competition for identical resources.
• This is explained by the Law of Competitive Exclusion, which states that no two species can coexist in the same niche indefinitely.
• A niche includes the species’ role (e.g., pollinator, decomposer), food habits, habitat, reproduction site, and interactions with other species.
• When niche overlap occurs, a species may:
  • Migrate to a new niche,
  • Become extinct, or
  • Adapt physiologically or behaviorally to reduce competition.
• The process of reducing competition by dividing resources is called resource partitioning, allowing species to coexist in the same habitat.