Ecology

Niche

The ecological role of a species in its environment—what it eats, where it lives, when it's active, and how it interacts with other species. Often described as the 'job' or 'profession' of a species.

Biological Context

A niche includes resource requirements, environmental tolerances, and interactions with other species. Two species with identical niches cannot coexist (competitive exclusion). Niche differentiation allows similar species to coexist by using resources in different ways.

Business Application

In business, a niche is a specialized market position defined by who you serve, what you offer, and how you compete. Two companies cannot occupy identical niches indefinitely.

Related Terms

Tags

ecologycompetitionfundamental