What does the term "niche" NOT include?

The term "niche" in ecological terms refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, which encompasses the resources it uses, the habitats it prefers, and the interactions it has with other organisms. This includes aspects such as habitat preferences, which describe where a species lives and thrives; resource utilization, which involves how a species acquires food, shelter, and other necessities; and the physical environment, which includes the abiotic factors like soil types, climate, and water availability that affect a species' survival.

Species population size, however, does not typically fall under the definition of a niche. While population size can influence and is influenced by the niche a species occupies, it is more of a demographic characteristic rather than a component of the niche itself. Therefore, it does not encompass the interactions and roles within specific environments, making it the correct choice as something that the term "niche" does not include.