Explain four of the following terms that are used in ecology - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 1 - 2005

A habitat refers to the specific environment where an organism or a community of organisms lives. It includes factors such as the physical surroundings, resources, and conditions necessary for the organisms to survive — such as food, water, and shelter.

Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and instead obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms, either plants or animals. They play a crucial role in the food chain and can be classified into various groups such as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Producers, also known as autotrophs, are organisms that produce food through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They are the foundation of the food chain, converting inorganic substances into organic matter, and providing energy for consumers.

A niche is the position of an organism within its ecosystem, including its habitat, the resources it utilizes, and its role in the energy flow and nutrient cycling. It reflects how an organism interacts with both biotic and abiotic factors in its environment.