What is meant by the term 'niche' in ecology?

The term 'niche' in ecology refers to the specific role or function an organism plays within its ecosystem, often described as its "ecosystem job." This concept encompasses not only the habitat where the organism lives but also how it interacts with other organisms and its environment. It involves aspects such as what the organism eats, how it obtains its food, its behaviors, and its contributions to the flow of energy and matter within that ecosystem.

By identifying a species' niche, ecologists can better understand the dynamics of an ecosystem, including how energy is transferred and the relationships between different organisms, such as predator-prey interactions and competition for resources. The other options do not fully capture this comprehensive understanding of an organism's role within its environment.