In ecology, the 'realized niche' of a species is observed in which context?

The realized niche of a species refers to the actual conditions and resources in which the species can survive and reproduce, taking into account interactions with other species, particularly competition and predation. This concept emphasizes the limitations and constraints that exist in a species’ environment due to these biotic interactions.

When a species faces resource limitations, its realized niche can be narrower than its fundamental niche, which represents all the possible conditions under which it could potentially survive in the absence of competition and other interacting species. This means that the realized niche reflects a more practical scenario where a species must adapt and survive within the confines of available resources, competition with other species for those resources, and other environmental factors.

Thus, the context of facing resource limitations is crucial for understanding the realized niche, as it directly influences the conditions under which a species can thrive in a particular ecosystem.