Assignment
Two of the common descriptive terms used in the field of ecology are habitat and niche. These terms are used when discussing the interaction of individual organisms in populations, and groups of organisms in communities and ecosystems.
Habitat is loosely defined as the place where the organism lives.
Niche defines the organism's "job," or role in the community.
These terms are used when discussing the interaction of individual organisms in populations, and groups of organisms in communities and ecosystems.
• A description of your personal niche and of your assigned niche highlighting the similarities and differences.
• A description of your personal habitat and your assigned habitat highlighting the similarities and differences.
• Consider what characteristics would provide a survival advantage to you or to the individuals who currently occupy each niche and habitat.
• How have humans adapted to the two habitats and niches?
• What difficulties might you have living in the assigned niche and why?
• What types of cultural adaptations have evolved from living in your niche? Your assigned niche?
• Your discussion should consider any biological adaptations as well; things such as dealing with food spoilage, insect vector control, food and waterborne illnesses, etc.
References
Ireland, K. A. (09/2012). Visualizing Human Biology, 4th Edition.