The article "Individualized social niches in animals: Theoretical clarifications and processes of niche change" by Kaiser et al. aims to clarify the concept of individualized social niches and distinguish it from related concepts such as social environments and social roles. The authors argue that focal individuals are integral parts of individualized social niches, and social interactions with conspecifics are core elements. They characterize three processes—social niche construction, conformance, and choice (social NC³ processes)—that explain how individualized social niches originate and change. The article integrates studies of behavior, ecology, and evolution, bringing together different perspectives on social niches. It defines an individualized social niche as the unit consisting of a focal individual and only those social interactions with other conspecifics that influence the focal individual's inclusive fitness. The authors emphasize the importance of social interactions in shaping individualized social niches and distinguish them from social environments, which include all interactions between individuals. They also clarify the differences between social roles and social interactions, noting that social roles involve multiple social interactions and are not the same as social interactions themselves. The article provides a theoretical framework for understanding how individual differences in social behavior arise and change, highlighting the role of NC³ processes in niche formation and adaptation.The article "Individualized social niches in animals: Theoretical clarifications and processes of niche change" by Kaiser et al. aims to clarify the concept of individualized social niches and distinguish it from related concepts such as social environments and social roles. The authors argue that focal individuals are integral parts of individualized social niches, and social interactions with conspecifics are core elements. They characterize three processes—social niche construction, conformance, and choice (social NC³ processes)—that explain how individualized social niches originate and change. The article integrates studies of behavior, ecology, and evolution, bringing together different perspectives on social niches. It defines an individualized social niche as the unit consisting of a focal individual and only those social interactions with other conspecifics that influence the focal individual's inclusive fitness. The authors emphasize the importance of social interactions in shaping individualized social niches and distinguish them from social environments, which include all interactions between individuals. They also clarify the differences between social roles and social interactions, noting that social roles involve multiple social interactions and are not the same as social interactions themselves. The article provides a theoretical framework for understanding how individual differences in social behavior arise and change, highlighting the role of NC³ processes in niche formation and adaptation.