Which of the following describes an ecological niche?

An ecological niche refers to the role or function of a species within an ecosystem, encompassing how it obtains its resources, interacts with other species, and contributes to the overall structure and dynamics of its environment. It is not merely the physical space an organism occupies, which would be more aligned with a habitat. Instead, the niche includes aspects such as the organism's feeding habits, reproductive behavior, and the specific environmental conditions it requires to thrive.

By describing the niche in this way, it highlights the importance of species interactions and adaptations that allow different organisms to coexist within the same habitat and utilize available resources without direct competition. This concept is crucial for understanding biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems, as it illustrates how various species fulfill distinct roles that contribute to ecological balance.