Biology/Habitat and Niche

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

This week you are exploring the characteristics of our species and the  role we play in our ecosystem. Two terms commonly used to describe an  organisms place in the environment is their habitat and their  niche. A habitat is defined as an area inhabited by particular  species. A niche is defined as the role (job), activities and resources  used by an organism. For example, a polar bears habitat is the arctic  whereas its niche is to swim, eat fish, walruses and seals, and to take  care of polar bear cubs. Have you ever considered the characteristics of  your habitat and niche or thought about what might happen if you were  forced to move and occupy another habitat, and switch to another niche?  This Assignment will give you the opportunity to compare and contrast  your current habitat and niche with an assigned niche (described below)

A description of your personal habitat and your assigned habitat highlighting the similarities and differences.

  • A description of your personal niche and of your assigned niche highlighting the similarities and differences.
  • Consider what characteristics would provide a survival advantage to  you or to the individuals who currently occupy each niche and habitat.
  • How have humans adapted to the two habitats and niches?
  • What difficulties might you have living in the assigned niche and why?
  • What types of cultural adaptations have evolved from living in your  niche? Your assigned niche? What are the benefits and challenges of  these cultural adaptations?
  • Your discussion should consider any biological adaptations as well;  things such as dealing with food spoilage, insect vector control, food  and waterborne illnesses, etc.
  • Consider the organism you have been assigned to study in your  assigned niche. Would you classify it as a biotic or an abiotic  component of the environment? Explain your reasoning by applying the  characteristics of life covered in Chapter One.