Niche

The natural world is filled with plants and animals, each with their own special job or  niche. A niche is the role played by an organism in the natural world. Animals and plants all have a special role in making natural communities work and stay healthy.

Some animals, like the pileated woodpecker, are insect eaters. They control insect populations in a community. The pileated woodpecker eats carpenter ants. It chisels them out of trees with its beak. Without animals like the woodpecker, insect populations could grow out of control.

Other animals like pinyon jays, red squirrels, and chipmunks are spreaders. When they gather and store seeds, acorns and berries some get left behind or forgotten. These seeds and berries will grow into new plants. Seeds from plants like the blackberry bush can also spread through these animals' feces. Animals that are spreaders help ensure that a community keeps growing and stays healthy.

The blackberry bush and other plants serve as food for animals. Their roots help hold down the soil and help stop erosion. Plants can also serve as shelter and nesting places for birds and other animals.

Animals and plants all have very special roles to play in their communities. The niches they fill help keep their habitats healthy.