IB Biology SL B4.2.12 Fundamental Vs Realized Niche Questions
Explore how adaptations define potential niches and how competition, predation or environmental limits narrow a species’ realized niche in IB Biology SL B4.2.12.
Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL
Exam points
Distinguish fundamental niche as potential conditions from realized niche as the conditions actually occupied.
Explain how competition, predation or environmental limits can restrict a species’ realized niche.
IB Biology SL B4.2.12 Fundamental Vs Realized Niche Questions question 1
[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.
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.
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;