What does the ecological species concept focus on?

The ecological species concept emphasizes the role of species interactions with their environment as a defining characteristic of what constitutes a species. This approach considers how organisms adapt to specific ecological niches, including their roles in the ecosystem, resource utilization, and mutual interactions with other species. It recognizes that the environment plays a crucial role in shaping evolutionary trajectories and can influence species boundaries based on adaptations to particular ecological conditions.

In this context, species are viewed as groups of organisms that are similar in their ecological requirements and interactions, which allows for differentiation based on their functional roles rather than solely on genetic, behavioral, or morphological traits. Understanding species in terms of their ecological niche helps to clarify their adaptations and evolutionary processes, reinforcing the concept that species are not only defined by physical traits or genetic similarity but also by their relationships with other organisms and their environments.