In the context of an ecosystem, what term describes the role a species plays, including how it uses resources and interacts with other organisms?

• A. Carrying capacity
• B. Ecological niche
• C. Trophic level
• D. Habitat

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking for a term that describes the role of a species within an ecosystem, focusing on how it uses resources and interacts with other organisms.
2. Recall that 'carrying capacity' refers to the maximum population size an environment can sustain, which is about population limits, not the species' role.
3. Recognize that 'trophic level' describes the position of a species in a food chain (e.g., producer, consumer), which is related but narrower than the full role of a species.
4. Know that 'habitat' refers to the physical environment where a species lives, not the role or interactions it has within the ecosystem.
5. Identify that the term 'ecological niche' encompasses the species' role, including resource use and interactions with other organisms, making it the correct answer.