Explain how differences in the niche requirements of organisms can contribute to community patterns such as zonation

Zonation the distribution of different species of plants and animals due to boundaries such as temperature, depth, altitude e. t. c. Coral reefs are examples of organisms who require a very specific set of conditions and as such are only found in specific areas. They require water of a certain salinity, temperature or depth and as such are only found some degrees north or south of the equator.

An organism's niche is the role it plays in its environment and the niche includes all of the interactions the organism has with the abiotic and biotic component of its environment. When a certain niche, such as that of the apex predator, is being fulfilled by more than one organism, competition for resources takes place. This competition hinders an organism's ability to easily access the resources it needs to survive. Therefore, organisms move from one place to another in order to reduce the competition they meet. When a sustainable population of organisms is created, each sitting well in their own niche, then zonation occurs, and the organisms remain in that place.