Niche is defined as the

Options

A. Position of species in a community in relation to other species
B. Place where organism lives
C. Place where organism lives and performs its duty
D. Place where population perform their duties

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Niche":**
- The term "niche" refers to the ecological niche, which is a specific part of the habitat occupied by individuals of a particular species. It encompasses various factors that define how a species interacts with its environment.

2. **Components of an Ecological Niche:**
- An ecological niche includes:
- **Range of Tolerance:** The conditions under which a species can survive.
- **Range of Movement:** The area over which a species can move and thrive.
- **Microclimate:** The specific climate conditions in the area where the species lives.
- **Type of Food:** The specific diet of the species, including what it eats.
- **Availability of Food:** How accessible the food sources are for the species.
- **Shelter:** The type of habitat or cover the species requires.
- **Timing of Activity:** The schedule of behaviors such as breeding, foraging, and nesting.

3. **Examples to Illustrate Niche:**
- Consider the example of a tadpole and a frog. Both belong to the same species but occupy different niches due to their different diets (tadpoles are herbivores while frogs are carnivorous).
- Another example is the water bug (a predator) and the water boatman (a scavenger). Their different roles in the ecosystem illustrate how different species can occupy distinct niches.

4. **Evaluating the Options:**
- The question provides several options regarding the definition of a niche.
- Option 1 refers to the "position of the species," which does not encompass the habitat aspect.
- Option 2 refers to "place," which is too vague and does not include the functional role of the species.
- Option 3 correctly combines the habitat and the duties of the organism, making it the most accurate definition of a niche.
- Option 4 incorrectly states that a niche is about the population rather than the individual species.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, option 3 is the correct answer as it encompasses both the habitat and the functional role of the species within that habitat.

**Final Answer:**
Niche is defined as the place where a species lives and its role in the ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and the environment.

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