Nischteori

Nischteori, often translated as "niche theory," is a concept in evolutionary biology and ecology that describes the role and position a species occupies in its environment. It encompasses the sum of all the interactions of a species with the biotic and abiotic factors of its environment. Essentially, it's the way a species makes a living, including its habitat, diet, and behavior.

There are broadly two main conceptualizations of ecological niche. The first, often termed the "Hutchinsonian niche," is a multidimensional space defined by the range of environmental conditions and resources within which a species can persist. This view emphasizes the environmental factors that limit a species' distribution and abundance. The second, often referred to as the "functional niche" or "Lebensform," focuses on the role a species plays in the ecosystem, such as its trophic level and its impact on nutrient cycling.

The concept of niche is fundamental to understanding species coexistence and biodiversity. When species share similar niches, they are likely to compete for resources. Evolutionary processes like natural selection can lead to niche partitioning, where species evolve to utilize different resources or habitats, thereby reducing competition and allowing for greater species diversity within an ecosystem. Conversely, if two species have identical niches and cannot differentiate, one is likely to outcompete the other, leading to competitive exclusion. Nischteori helps explain patterns of species distribution, community structure, and evolutionary adaptation.