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Niche: IB Environmental Systems & Societies Definition

Jacque Cartwright

Written by: Jacque Cartwright

Reviewed by: Alistair Marjot

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Contents

  1. 1. What is a niche in ESS?
  2. 2. Niche Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

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.

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Author
Reviewer
Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

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