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SNC1D
Roles in Ecosystems
Organism
 Is an
o Example:
Species
 Is a group of organisms
o Example:
Population

is when
o Example:
Community
 A community is when
.
 Example:
Habitat
 Your habitat is the area where you live
Niche
•The niche of an organism is its total role in the community.
•The niche of a beaver is to feed on plants, dam a river, become food
for wolves, to be bitten by deer flies, and so on…
•The niche of a wolf is to feed on beavers and other small animals, to
be bitten by black flies and deer flies, to fertilize the soil with urine
and feces, as well as many other things.
Comparing a Habitat to a Niche
 Many people confuse habitat and niche. Think of it this way!
o A habitat is the species address.
o A niche is the species’ occupation.
SNC1D
Roles in Ecosystems
Ecological Niche
 The ecological niche is an organism’s “job” in an ecosystem.
It includes:
 its place in the food web
 where it lives
 the time of day it is active
Ecological Niche
 Each organism in an ecosystem usually has a different niche.
 This helps to reduce the amount of competition for habitat and
resources (like food, water, etc.).
Native vs. Introduced Species
 A native species is a species (type of living thing) that has
lived in an ecosystem for a long time.
 An introduced species is a species that is new to an
ecosystem.
 Introduced species can arrive naturally (animals move,
seeds carried by wind) or by humans.
Impact of Introduced Species
 Introduced species usually cause problems in an
ecosystem.
 They compete for a niche with the native species
Natural Selection
 You have certain traits and they allow you to survive better than
others in your population.
Evolution
 Evolution is a change in the genetic make up of a species over
time.
Adaptation
 An adaptation is a change that gives you an edge on surviving.
o Webbed toes to swim faster
o A wooly coat to stay warmer
o Longer claws with which to fight better
o Larger eyes to see more