The ecological species concept (ESC) is a way of defining species based on their ecological niche, that is, the role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species. This concept emphasizes the importance of the environment in shaping species' characteristics and behaviors.
According to the ecological species concept, a species is often defined as a group of organisms that occupy a specific niche and are adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions. This means that members of the same species share similar ecological roles and resource requirements, which can influence their evolution and adaptation over time.
The ESC can be particularly useful for understanding species that may be morphologically similar but occupy different ecological niches, as well as in cases where reproductive isolation may not be strong. It highlights the dynamic interactions between species and their environments, making it a valuable framework for studying biodiversity, community ecology, and conservation biology.