What is the difference between an ecological niche and a geographic range?

An ecological niche refers to the role and position of a species in its ecosystem, while a geographic range is the area where a species can be found.

Ecological niche and geographic range are two important concepts in ecology. An ecological niche refers to the specific role and position of a species in its ecosystem. It includes the physical and biological factors that affect the survival and reproduction of the species. For example, a bird species may have a niche as a seed-eater, which means it feeds on seeds and plays a role in seed dispersal. The niche of a species can be influenced by factors such as competition, predation, and environmental conditions.

On the other hand, a geographic range refers to the area where a species can be found. It includes the physical boundaries of the species' habitat and the distribution of the species within that habitat. For example, a bird species may have a geographic range that spans across several continents, or it may be restricted to a specific region. The geographic range of a species can be influenced by factors such as climate, topography, and human activity.

In summary, while ecological niche and geographic range are related concepts, they refer to different aspects of a species' existence. The ecological niche describes the species' role in its ecosystem, while the geographic range describes the area where the species can be found. Understanding these concepts is important for understanding the ecology and conservation of species.