What does the term 'niche' refer to in an ecological context?

In ecology, the term 'niche' refers to the specific role and lifestyle of an organism within its ecosystem. This concept encompasses not just where an organism lives, but how it interacts with the environment and other organisms. It includes the habitat it occupies, its use of resources, the times at which it is active, and its relationships with predators, prey, and competitors. A niche is effectively the sum of an organism's interactions with the biotic and abiotic parts of its environment, which allows it to thrive and reproduce within that context. This distinct role contributes to the overall functioning and structure of ecosystems, as different organisms fulfill various ecological roles, maintaining stability and biodiversity.