What does the ecological species concept primarily focus on?

The ecological species concept emphasizes how species are defined based on their adaptations to specific ecological niches and resources. It considers not only the unique traits of organisms but also how these traits enable them to exploit particular environmental variables such as food sources, habitat, and ecological interactions. This concept highlights the role of natural selection and ecological dynamics in the formation and maintenance of species, suggesting that different species occupy different roles or niches within their ecosystems. This perspective integrates the species' interactions with their environment and emphasizes the importance of ecological relationships in determining species boundaries.

In contrast to this approach, focusing on genetic differences or behavioral patterns does not directly address how species interact with their environment or how those interactions shape their evolutionary trajectories. Additionally, while physical characteristics can be relevant in species identification, they do not encompass the broader ecological contexts that define the ecological species concept.