elukeskkonda

Elukeskkonda, also known as the "ecological niche," refers to the role and position of a species within its environment. It encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological factors that a species needs to survive and reproduce. These factors include habitat type, food availability, climate, and interactions with other species.

The concept of elukeskkonda was first introduced by the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel in the late 19th century. He defined it as the sum of all factors that influence the life of an organism. This includes not only the physical environment but also the biotic factors, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis.

Elukeskkonda is crucial for understanding the distribution and abundance of species. It helps explain why certain species are found in specific locations and why others are not. For example, a species of bird that requires a specific type of tree for nesting and a particular type of insect for food will have a specific elukeskkonda.

Changes in elukeskkonda can lead to shifts in species distribution and abundance. This can be due to natural processes, such as climate change, or human activities, such as habitat destruction and pollution. Understanding elukeskkonda is therefore essential for conservation efforts and for managing natural resources sustainably.