Biology - Organisms and Populations Question with Solution | TestHub
Which of the following statements are correct about niche? (A). It denotes the functional role played by an organism. (B). The same niche is shared by two or more species. (C). As soon as a niche is left vacant, other organisms fill that position. (D). It includes the organism's role in the flow of energy from one organism to another. (E). Organisms living in the same habitat differ in their niches. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Options:
Answer:
Solution:
An ecological niche describes the physical space occupied by an organism as well as its functional role in the community.
Statement (A) is correct because a niche essentially defines the functional role played by an organism within its ecosystem, including how it interacts with abiotic and biotic factors.
Statement (B) is incorrect because according to Gause's competitive exclusion principle, no two species can occupy the exact same niche in the same habitat simultaneously. If they do, competition will eventually lead to the elimination or displacement of one species.
Statement (C) is correct because nature tends to utilize available resources; when a niche becomes vacant, other organisms typically adapt, migrate, or evolve to fill that position.
Statement (D) is correct as the trophic niche of an organism involves its position in the food web, which inherently deals with the flow of energy from one organism to another.
Statement (E) is correct because different species coexisting in the same habitat must differ in their niches to avoid severe competition, a mechanism often achieved through resource partitioning.
Since statement (B) is the only incorrect statement, the combination of correct statements is (A), (C), (D), and (E).
Answer: (A), (C), (D) and (E) only.
