Previous Year Question

An Ecological Niche represents the role of a species within an Ecosystem, its utilization of resources, environmental requirements, and interactions with other organisms. Species possessing a Broad Niche can utilize different types of food, habitats, and environmental conditions. Such species are known as Generalist Species. Their greater Adaptability to different conditions allows them to use alternative resources during environmental changes, generally reducing their risk of extinction.

Species possessing a Narrow Niche depend on limited resources, specific habitats, or particular environmental conditions. They are known as Specialist Species. For example, the natural diet of the Giant Panda depends primarily on bamboo. In such species, declining availability of essential food or habitat can affect population survival. The combined effects of a Narrow Niche, Restricted Geographic Range, and Habitat Fragmentation may increase extinction risk. In contrast, the diversity of resource utilization among broad-niche species generally helps reduce this vulnerability.

Large Body Size is also an important biological characteristic associated with extinction risk in many species. Large-bodied mammals and birds generally require greater quantities of food, extensive natural habitats, and larger Home Ranges. They may have relatively low Reproductive Rates, longer periods before reaching Sexual Maturity, and limited numbers of offspring. Elephants, Rhinoceroses, and large carnivorous mammals are examples. Habitat destruction, hunting, and human interference can adversely affect their populations. However, body size alone does not determine extinction risk; some small-bodied species may also be highly threatened.

Lack of Genetic Variability can limit the ability of a species to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Genetic Diversity represents the presence of different genes and their alternative forms, known as Alleles, within a population. In small and isolated populations, Genetic Drift and Inbreeding may reduce genetic diversity. This can increase the expression of harmful genetic traits, reduce reproductive fitness, and increase susceptibility to diseases and Climate Change. Broad Niche, genetic diversity, and adequate population size support the Long-term Survival of species, whereas Narrow Niche, low genetic diversity, and the biological characteristics of certain large-bodied species can increase extinction risk.Broad niche