How does an animals habitat differ from its niche?

Habitat and niche are two important ecological concepts that describe the relationship between a species and its environment. While they are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two terms.

- Habitat refers to the physical environment in which a species lives. This includes the climate, topography, soil type, vegetation, and other species that live in the area.

- Niche refers to the functional role that a species plays in its ecosystem. This includes the species' feeding habits, reproductive behavior, and interactions with other species.

In other words, the habitat describes the "where" and the niche describes the "how" of a species' existence. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between habitat and niche:

| Factor | Habitat | Niche |

| - | - | - |

| Definition | Physical environment in which a species lives | Functional role that a species plays in its ecosystem |

| Example | A mountain forest | A herbivore that eats plants and is eaten by predators |

Here are some specific examples of how habitat and niche differ for different species:

- Lions live in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannahs, and forests. But their niche is always the same: they are predators that hunt other animals for food.

- Snakes live in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to rainforests. But their niche is also always the same: they are predators that eat small animals, such as rodents.

- Plants live in all types of habitats, from the tropics to the polar regions. But their niche varies depending on the species. For example, some plants are carnivorous, while others are parasitic.

By understanding the different between habitat and niche, we can better understand the role that different species play in their ecosystems.