Which statement best explains the concept of ecological niche?

The concept of ecological niche is best described as defining the role and place of an organism within its environment. This includes not just the physical space it occupies, but also how it interacts with other organisms (including both biotic and abiotic factors) and how it fits into the ecosystem in terms of its activities, resource use, and interactions with other species.

An ecological niche encompasses various dimensions, such as the type of food an organism consumes, its reproductive habits, its relationships with predators and competitors, and how it responds to environmental conditions. This holistic understanding is crucial for grasping how an organism contributes to its ecosystem and how changes in the environment or species dynamics might impact its survival. Thus, the concept goes beyond a simple description of physical attributes or dietary needs, encapsulating the broader role of the organism in its habitat.