What is a habitat?

A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

Here's a breakdown:

* Where an organism lives: It's not just the physical location but includes everything within that area that the organism needs to survive.

* Provides resources: These include things like food, water, shelter, and space to reproduce.

* Offers protection: Habitats protect organisms from predators and harsh weather conditions.

* Unique to each species: Different species have different habitat requirements based on their specific needs.

Examples of habitats:

* Forests: Home to trees, animals like squirrels, birds, and insects.

* Oceans: Support a vast range of marine life, from fish and whales to microscopic plankton.

* Deserts: Characterized by extreme dryness, with specialized plants and animals that can survive in harsh conditions.

* Grasslands: Dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants, home to grazing animals like bison and zebras.

* Freshwater lakes and rivers: Support fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.

Understanding habitats is crucial for conservation efforts, as it helps us protect and manage the ecosystems that support life on Earth.