What does the term "niche" refer to in an ecosystem?

The term "niche" in an ecosystem specifically refers to the role or function that an organism or species plays within its environment. This includes how it obtains its food, how it interacts with other organisms, and how it contributes to the energy flow and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. A niche encompasses not only the habitat where the organism lives but also its behavior, diet, and relationships with other living things, enabling it to survive and reproduce.

This concept is crucial for understanding biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, as different species often occupy different niches which helps maintain balance within the ecosystem. For instance, a predator and its prey occupy different niches that define their interactions and contributions to the ecological community. In contrast, simply referring to the "habitat of an organism" does not capture the comprehensive nature of a niche, which involves more than just living space.