Which of the following statements is not true about "ecological niche"?Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A

   Dominant species occupy extensive and broader ecological niche.

   Option (a) claims that dominant species occupy extensive and broader ecological niches, which is generally true in ecological studies as successful species expand their functional roles and habitat utilization. This option is not the official key because the question asks for the statement that is not true.

2. B

   Number of species becomes large in ecological niche of natural ecosystem, if resources are sufficient.

   Option (b) claims that the number of species becomes large in the ecological niche of a natural ecosystem if resources are sufficient, supporting biodiversity growth under high resource availability. This option is not the official key because it represents a scientifically valid ecological principle.

3. C

   Number of species becomes small in ecological niche, if resources are sufficient.

   Option (c) claims that the number of species becomes small in an ecological niche if resources are sufficient. Sufficient resources typically support a higher diversity and larger number of species rather than reducing them, making this statement factually incorrect. Therefore, this option is the official key because it correctly identifies the false statement requested by the question.

4. D

   Dominance of single species becomes minimum if the resource distribution is equitable in a habitat.

   Option (d) claims that the dominance of a single species becomes minimum if the resource distribution is equitable in a habitat, which aligns with competitive exclusion principles and balanced ecosystems. This option is not the official key because the statement itself is ecologically sound and true.

Summary. Official key is (c) because the statement regarding species number decreasing under sufficient resources contradicts established ecological principles. An ecological niche describes the functional role and space of a species within an ecosystem. When resources are abundant and sufficiently available, ecosystems typically support greater species diversity and higher population densities rather than smaller numbers. Options (a), (b), and (d) state ecologically accurate phenomena regarding niche breadth, resource availability, and equitable distribution. Thus, option (c) is the incorrect statement sought by the question.