niche hypervolume

Niche hypervolume is a way to imagine the different roles or ways of life an organism can have within its environment. Think of it as a multi-dimensional space that includes all the conditions and resources, like food, shelter, and climate, that an organism needs to survive and reproduce. The size and shape of this space reflect how flexible or specialized the species is. A larger hypervolume indicates a broader range of conditions it can tolerate, while a smaller one shows more specific needs. It helps scientists understand how species coexist, adapt, and respond to changes in their environment.