habitat
Definition
A habitat is the place where an organism lives. It includes the physical environment, such as the soil, water, and air, as well as the other living things that share the space.
The physical environment of a habitat can be described by its abiotic factors, such as temperature, precipitation, sunlight, and soil type. The biotic factors of a habitat are the living things that live there, such as plants, animals, and other microorganisms.
The habitat of an organism is important because it provides the things the organism needs to survive. For example, a fish needs water to breathe, food to eat, and shelter from predators. The physical and biotic factors of the fish's habitat must provide these things for the fish to survive.
The habitat of an organism can also be affected by the activities of humans. For example, deforestation can destroy the habitat of many animals, and pollution can contaminate the water and air that organisms need to survive.
How can the word be used?
Habitat loss is a major threat to biodiversity.
Different forms of the word
Noun: habitat.
Adjective: habitat-forming.
Verb: habitate.
Etymology
The word "habitat" comes from the Latin word "habitare", which means "to dwell" or "to live". The Latin word is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "ghabh-", which also means "to dwell" or "to live".
Question
What is a habitat?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of habitat, highlighting its key components and the interactions between organisms and their habitats.
Answer:
Habitat refers to a specific environment in which an organism or a community of organisms resides. It encompasses both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that collectively create a unique ecological niche. Biotic components include other organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, while abiotic factors comprise physical features like climate, soil, water availability, and topography.
Organisms and their habitats are intricately interconnected. Organisms adapt to the conditions of their habitat to secure resources like food, water, and shelter. Over time, this adaptation can lead to specialised traits and behaviours. Furthermore, organisms often interact with each other within their habitats, forming complex relationships such as predation, competition, and symbiosis. These interactions influence population dynamics and ecosystem stability.
Understanding the interplay between organisms and their habitats is fundamental to ecology, providing insights into biodiversity, species distribution, and the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.