Which of the following statements is not true about "ecological niche"?

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

The ecological niche refers to the role and position of a species in an ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

• Statement 1: Number of species becomes large in the ecological niche of a natural ecosystem if resources are sufficient. (Correct)
  • In a resource-rich ecosystem, multiple species can coexist, leading to higher biodiversity and greater species richness.
• Statement 2: Number of species becomes small in an ecological niche if resources are sufficient. (Incorrect)
  • If resources are abundant, more species can survive and share the ecosystem.
  • A decrease in species would occur only if competition, predation, or other limiting factors reduce biodiversity.
• Statement 3: Dominant species occupy extensive and broader ecological niches. (Correct)
  • Dominant species have a wider ecological niche because they outcompete others for resources and have higher adaptability.
• Statement 4: Dominance of a single species becomes minimal if resource distribution is equitable in a habitat. (Correct)
  • When resources are evenly available, multiple species can thrive, reducing monopoly by a single species and increasing species diversity.