IB Biology SL B4.2.12 Fundamental Vs Realized Niche Questions

Explore how adaptations define a species’ fundamental niche, while competition, predation and environmental interactions narrow the realized niche shown in exam data in IB Biology SL B4.2.12.

Exam points

Distinguish a fundamental niche as the full potential range permitted by adaptations and tolerance limits from a realized niche as the actual range occupied.
Use competition, predation or other biotic and abiotic interaction evidence to explain why a species occupies only part of its fundamental niche and how its realized range changes.

[Maximum number: 2]

Ecologists studied the distribution of five species of insectivorous wood warblers of the genus Dendorica living on different parts of coniferous trees in mature forests.

Figure for Question IB Biology SL B4.2.12 Fundamental Vs Realized Niche Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

The diagram shows the realized niches of the five species of warbler. Suggest how the fundamental niche of D. castanea might differ from its realized niche.

All question bank results loaded

a	the realized is the actual niche and the fundamental is in the absence of competition;
b	with no competition D. castanea would have a larger habitat/more food OR D. castanea could occupy the niches currently occupied by the other warbler species;

IB Biology SL B4.2.12 Fundamental Vs Realized Niche Questions question 1