Niche Specialization

[greze9]

could any one define Niche Specialization in terms of the Darwin's FInches in the Galapagos Islands. I understand that each animal has its own niche, but what does it mean to specialize in this?

[alextemplet]

I'm no expert, but I'd wager it means exactly what it says. It means to specialize in living in that exact ecological niche. For example, some of the finches are adapted specifically to eat hard nuts, others to eat insects, others to eat soft berries. Each one is specialized for life in its own niche.

[senkhisis]

Also note that these niche specialization prevents competition between species for scarce resources.

[mith]

term is resource partitioning