GENERALIST V SPECIALIST SPECIES

A generalist species is able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make
use of a variety of different resources (for example, a heterotroph with a varied diet). A specialist
species can thrive only in a narrow range of environmental conditions or has a limited diet.
Most organisms do not all fit neatly into either group, however. Some species are highly specialized
(the most extreme case being monophagous, eating one specific type of food), others less so, and
some can tolerate many different environments. In other words, there is a continuum from highly
specialized to broadly generalist species.

Generalist Specialist

Broad Niche and adaptable to Narrow niche and are not easily
Niche/
many or changing adaptable to changes in their
Adaptability
environments environment

May not be strong competitors Successful competitors IN their

Competitive
but easily avoid competition by narrow, specialist surroundings.
success
‘moving on’ Outside, are very uncompetitive.

Intraspecific Interact with many other Limited species interactions in their

interactions species in their habitat habitat

Not a picky eater, use a variety

Diet of resources and items in their Limited and often very specific diet
diet

Feeding habit Often omnivores

Can be found in several Found in specific habitats and

Location locations and spread over large locations, containing their food
areas source.

Low tolerance to changes or

High tolerance to changes or
Range of extremes in their environment. Highly
extremes in their environment
Tolerance sensitive to change – quick
or ecosystem
population decline.

Raccoons, rats, mice,

cockroaches, coyotes, whitetail Panda, river otter, owls, koala, sword-
Examples
deer, brown rats, horseshoe billed hummingbird, venus flytrap
crab