Ecological niches
= “the set of biotic and abiotic conditions in which a species is able to persist and maintain
stable population sizes “ (Hutchinson, 1957)
= a species’ place in the community, including when it is present, what place (space) it
occupies, and what function(s) it fulfills in the community (Zimdahl, 2007)
• Example: Ecological niche of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion can grow well in northern temperate zones including pastures, meadows, lawn and
other sunny open places. It is considered a troublesome weed while it also serves as food to
various herbivores, supplies nectar to bees, provide medicinal herb for human