How does competition affect niches?

Question

Roman Acosta · Accepted Answer

there is two vision of niches, one with only abiotic factors in consideration and an other one with biotic factor like competition in consideration.

In nature, there are more factors than just abiotic ones; species interact with one another and can affect each other's niches. However, if you only take into account abiotic factors like temperature, salinity, etc., you get to find a range of those factors where one species can live. this will be the fundamental niche. Competition is an interaction that is detrimental to both parties involved. Resources that a species cannot manage in competition with another species will not be included in the declining species' niches. The realized niche will be that new niche with the new limit brought about by competition.

Andrew Armstrong · Answer

undefined Competition affects niches by influencing the distribution of resources among species within an ecosystem. Intense competition for resources such as food, shelter, and mates can lead to niche differentiation, where species evolve to occupy distinct ecological niches to minimize direct competition. This can result in the partitioning of resources and habitats, allowing multiple species to coexist within the same ecosystem. Additionally, competition can drive evolutionary adaptations, leading to the development of specialized traits that confer a competitive advantage to certain species within their respective niches. Overall, competition plays a significant role in shaping the structure and dynamics of ecological communities by influencing species interactions and resource allocation.