Niche → an organism’s role within the ecosystem. Each species occupies its own niche which is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors
Biotic Factors → impact of interactions between organisms eg predation
Abiotic Factors → non-living factors in an ecosystem eg weather
Plants and animals are adapted to abiotic factors which develops through the process of natural selection
Species diversity and population size is larger when abiotic conditions are less extreme
Biotic Factors:
Interspecific Competition
Intraspecific Competition
Predation
Interspecific Competition → members of different species compete for the same resource that is in limited supply eg light, water and food
Intraspecific Competition → members of the same species compete for resources and a mate
Biotic Factors
More well-adapted individuals will be able to perform a more impressive courtship display or may have features in better conditions, so will be more likely to attract a mate and reproduce