The term for a species' role in its ecosystem is called its niche. A niche encompasses how a species interacts with abiotic factors such as climate and soil, as well as biotic factors like competition and predation. It describes not only the habitat where a species lives but also its patterns of feeding, reproduction, and other behaviors. Understanding niches helps ecologists comprehend the complex interrelationships within ecosystems, highlighting the importance of each species in maintaining ecological balance.