Niche - IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) Definition

What is a niche in ESS?

In IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), a niche refers to the unique role or position an organism occupies within an ecosystem. It includes all its interactions with the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

It involves not only their habitat but also its functional role, such as feeding, behaviour, and interactions with other organisms (e.g. competition, symbiosis, etc).

A niche is unique to each species and helps to reduce competition in an ecosystem by allowing species to coexist. By occupying different niches, species can utilise different resources and thrive within the same habitat.

Niche Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of niches in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts such as biodiversity, species interactions, and ecosystem stability.

Explore our IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) resources.