Ecological Niches and Keystone Species
An ecological niche isn't just where an organism lives—it's the organism's entire "job description" in its habitat. This includes what it eats, when it's active, how it reproduces, and all its interactions with living and non-living parts of its environment.
The Competitive Exclusion Principle states that no two species can occupy exactly the same niche in the same habitat at the same time. If they try to, they'll compete until one either adapts, moves, or dies out. It's nature's way of preventing overcrowding in job positions!
Some organisms play especially important roles in their ecosystems. These keystone species maintain the structure, stability, and diversity of their entire ecosystem. Like the keystone in an arch, if you remove them, the whole system can collapse.
Cool fact: Sea otters are keystone species! They eat sea urchins that would otherwise devour kelp forests. Without otters, kelp forests disappear, eliminating habitat for countless marine creatures. One species can make all the difference!