ecological niche

ecological niche

1. the physical space occupied by an organism.
2. the organism's functional role in the community (e.g. TROPHIC LEVEL).
3. other conditions of the organism's existence, such as preferred temperature, moisture and pH, combining spatial habitat with functional interaction with other species.

ecological

emanating from or pertaining to ecology.

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ecological biome

see biome.

ecological climax

the state of balance in an ecosystem when its inhabitants have established their permanent relationships with each other.

ecological fallacy

bias following misinterpretation that ecological factors affect all individuals equally.

ecological imbalance

the naturally occurring changes in the environment, e.g. bushfires, floods, volcanic fallout, which leave it unbalanced with respect to the type and quality of the feed they provide.

ecological interface

the border between two ecosystems.

ecological mosaic

a pattern of interspersed ecosystems.

ecological niche

1. the position occupied by an organism in relation to other organisms and to the environment.

2. a particular part of an ecological environment in which a particular plant or animal species prospers. It is the set of terms, in relation to food and water supply and relationship with predators and disease and with competitors, by which the organism achieves its full biological potential.

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niche

a small recess, depression or indentation, especially a recess in the wall of a hollow organ that tends to retain contrast media, as revealed by radiography.

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ecological niche

the geographical location in the physical environment which the particular organism occupies best, in which it thrives best. The boundaries are determined by the suitability of the climate and the feed provided and competition with predators and collaboration with synergists.

niche pericarditis

an abattoir finding in normal cattle; small red velvety patches on the outside of the great vessels.