Niche Conservatism

Niche conservatism refers to the tendency of species to remain in familiar environments or ecological roles over time. Instead of adapting to new conditions, they often stick to the habitats where they’ve thrived before. This concept helps explain why certain species can be sensitive to environmental changes, as they may struggle to survive outside their preferred niches. In essence, it highlights how past adaptations can limit a species' ability to cope with new challenges, emphasizing the importance of historical context in the distribution and survival of organisms in the natural world.