In ecological geography, what does the term "niche" refer to?

The term "niche" in ecological geography specifically refers to the role or function of a species within its ecosystem. This concept encompasses how a species interacts with other organisms, including its food sources, habitat, reproductive behaviors, and its relationship with both biotic and abiotic factors in its environment. A niche effectively describes how a species fits into the ecological community, including its adaptations, survival strategies, and contributions to the ecosystem's overall functioning.

Understanding a species' niche is crucial for studying biodiversity, as it helps explain how multiple species can coexist in the same environment without directly competing for the same resources. This concept is foundational in ecology because it allows scientists to comprehend species distributions and interactions better, providing insights into ecosystem health and resilience.