What is the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche in ecology?

• A. A fundamental niche is determined by abiotic factors only, while a realized niche is determined by biotic factors only.
• B. A fundamental niche is the actual conditions under which a species lives, while a realized niche is the full range of environmental conditions under which a species can survive.
• C. A fundamental niche is the habitat a species occupies, while a realized niche is the role a species plays in its ecosystem.
• D. A fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions under which a species can survive, while a realized niche is the actual conditions under which the species lives due to competition and other biotic factors.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of a niche in ecology, which refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.
2. Define a fundamental niche as the full range of environmental conditions (abiotic factors) under which a species can potentially survive and reproduce. This includes all the possible habitats and resources a species can utilize without considering interactions with other species.
3. Define a realized niche as the actual conditions and resources a species uses in its environment, which are often restricted by biotic factors such as competition, predation, and symbiotic relationships. This is the niche a species occupies in the presence of other organisms.
4. Understand that the fundamental niche is broader than the realized niche because it represents the potential living conditions without the influence of other species, while the realized niche is narrower due to the limitations imposed by biotic interactions.
5. Recognize that the difference between these two types of niches highlights the impact of ecological interactions on species distribution and survival, emphasizing the importance of both abiotic and biotic factors in shaping ecosystems.